Suicide Hill traffic a concern

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 15, 2010 6:00 PM

Motorists are being urged to ease off the gas pedal before heading up Vernon’s Suicide Hill. Complaints have surfaced from some drivers who say the speed bump at the base of the realigned section of 30th Avenue forces them to crash into the curb. “They keep on hitting it and they can’t see it,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “People on East Hill think it’s crazy.” However, city staff insists the speed bump was necessary because of ongoing safety concerns there. “There were many complaints from people walking across the road and they were scared because traffic was going too fast,” said Rob Dickinson, engineering manager. Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, says the base of Suicide Hill was designed to accommodate vehicles and isn’t too narrow. “You should be able to get around it. If you hit the curb, you’re going too fast,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert fully supports the speed bump and realigned roadway.

“Since it’s been in place, the only complaints are from people that have to slow down but that’s the intent. It (speed bump) is doing its job,” he said. But in an attempt to make the speed bump more visible to motorists, it will be painted yellow. “Hopefully painting it will mean it’s not hit as much,” said Spiers of the curb.