A new road construction site on Fredericton's north side is creating some confusion and frustration for motorists.

A tiny section of Union Street near the city's walking bridge is closed for sewer repairs, but that's forcing drivers to go at least 10 minutes out of their way.

Ryan Clarkson has told more than 500 drivers since Wednesday to turn their vehicles around because of the construction ahead.

“Yeah they’ve closed up this road for about the next two weeks,” he tells one driver.

Despite detour signs along the streets, many motorists said they didn’t see or heed them.

Even on the closed section of Union Street, there are signs, a barricade sign, a caution sign, a do not enter sign, and the construction site itself, some motorists continue to use it and are forced to turn around.

“It is typical, I think people get into a pattern and perhaps are distracted,” said Darren Charters, traffic engineer for the City of Fredericton.

Charters admits this particular detour is a long one for Fredericton motorists, who are used to a quick commute. The 10 to 15-minute detour for what is normally just a minute drive is something many find a bit too much.

“It’s the best option we had, it’s the simplest one and we understand the frustrations some people may experience,” Charters said. "But we didn't have another choice."

Charters says the city may put up more signs to alert motorists of detour, which would likely make Clarkson's job a little easier.

“Some of them get angry, and some of them squeal their tires and turn away … I just remain calm, I just let it go, I don’t say anything.”