Transport Official Rules Out Stickle Traffic Light

Posted on 7/30/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Despite calls for a traffic light at a dangerous intersection north of Vernon, the government official in charge says it's not going to happen. District Transportation Manager Murray Tekano told the media, he's ruling out a signal at Highway 97 and Stickle Road. "A signal will not work at this location. It's really not something we can do. It's a very small amount of traffic that would be causing the signal to cycle, and it's in an area that it would be unexpected," says Tekano. An open house on the plan Wednesday drew dozens of people including Bill Hague who lives nearby the site. Hague wants to see a traffic light and a lower speed limit in that area including the overpass. "I see more accidents on that bridge. I've seen trucks hanging over the edge, everything. There is no reason for this road to be over 80 km-h. I don't care what highways wants, at least until you get past the weigh scales," says Hague. Vernon resident John Wilson doesn't like the plan. "I think it's all crazy. Why don't they just lower the speed limit to 70 km-h? Problem solved. You don't have to do anything more," says Wilson. Tekano doesn't think lowering the speed limit would have a safety benefit, as he says it could lead to more aggressive driving from frustrated drivers following slower moving vehicles. "It can cause crashes or lead to other sorts of incidents as a result of unsafe maneuvers." Enderby mayor Greg McCune, who attended the open house, sees a lot of flaws. "I honestly think right now, I don't know if we're going down the right track. I mean it's a fair bit of money for possibly a solution that just really isn't a solution. It would be temporary," says McCune. McCune would like to see more discussions about a lower speed limit along that stretch. The ministry says an average of 20 vehicles an hour turn left onto the highway at Stickle Road, not enough to justify a light. According to statistics, there have been three fatal accidents at that site between 2003 and 2012.