It’s a dark, dangerous place for pedestrians.
This is the view of Coun. Chad Eliason, who would like to see improvements to lighting at the intersection of Shuswap Street and the Trans-Canada Highway.
“I live in that neighbourhood and often use that intersection… When turning left from Shuswap Street onto the Trans-Canada Highway, it’s really difficult to see pedestrians. I wonder if they can do an overhead light,” he said, suggesting it must be one of Salmon Arm’s darkest.
Rob Niewenhiuzen, the city’s director of engineering and public works, said these issues did come up at the city and transportation ministry’s traffic safety meeting, but he doesn’t think the ministry would be interested in doing “one-offs.”
“It’s ultimately up to the driver and there are pedestrian crossing signals.”
Eliason emphasized: “It’s dangerous. I can run the first half or the last half, but not everyone’s as quick as I am. And I’m not as quick as I used to be. I’ve seen people hit there.”
Coun. Kevin Flynn said he uses the intersection five to 10 times per day.
“I think we should try to see if we can get an advanced left. It’s so short – although those (new painted) lines have helped cars.”
Niewenhuizen noted that traffic signals are not in the city’s jurisdiction, adding the issue was in the traffic safety report and the city must work with the ministry.
Coun. Louise Wallace Richmond said truck safety is the number-one issue citizens bring up with her.