Sooner better than later

Times Contributor      

 

A two vehicle accident occurred at the junction of Hwy 1 and Hwy 24 on May 18, around 6:30 p.m. Fire, ambulance and police were on scene to clear traffic and transport injured patients to hospital. 

Councillor Berniece Bland has been advocating to the province for several years that changes needed to be made at that junction, as it has a repeated and serious accident history. That crash reinforces the point that changes should be made sooner, rather than later.

In April, Bland received a letter from the Minister of Transportation Wayne Drysdale confirming that changes would be made in the Highway 1 overlay project, to improve safety.

“I understand department staff has been in discussion with Wheatland County regarding the addition of a west-bound median acceleration lane on Highway 1. This would assist west-turning trucks from Highway 24 to merge with westbound through traffic,” said Drysdale. 

“Median acceleration lanes have been constructed in other areas of the province, but are considered on a case-by-case basis. I am pleased to advise that we are prepared to construct a west-bound median acceleration lane in conjunction with the Highway 1 overlay project between Highway 9 and the east Strathmore town boundary. The overlay is in our current three-year construction program.”

Drysdale stated the province’s engineering consultant will be contacting the county to discuss further details.

Bland said she was relieved and excited about the news and hopes the changes will make the intersection safer for everyone travelling the two routes.