COBDEN — Whitewater Region council turned down a recommendation that costs be investigated regarding installing a flashing yellow light at the intersection of Sturgeon Mountain Road and Zion Line. Instead, a large Truck Turning sign, as well as a cautionary speed limit sign of 70 kilometres an hour, will be erected.
Councillor Charlene Jackson said she has been travelling the Zion Line and has not yet seen a tractor-trailer at that intersection.
At this month’s public works committee, Mel Langton, who operates a grain drying operation at that intersection, asked for the cautionary signs and an investigation into how much it would cost the township to erect the flashing lights. He even said he would help with the cost.
During last night’s council meeting, Coun. Jackson said the onus should be put on the property owner to erect temporary signs. The problem is not year-round, she said. If the property owner were to only put out signs when necessary, people would pay more attention.
She fears people won’t slow down when they see the cautionary signs after a few times of travelling in that area and not seeing any trucks.
“I believe it’ll be more effective and safer if the signs are only put out when truck traffic is occurring,” Coun. Jackson said.
However, Mayor Hal Johnson noted he heard of a close call between a truck with two trains (trailers) and a car that was travelling at a high rate of speed.
“The car almost hit the front of the second wagon,” he said.
He suggested a “very big truck turning sign” and a speed limit reduction sign just past it be erected.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin said when farmers are hauling hay, if they feel they may be causing a dangerous situation, put out signs that tractors are turning. He agreed with Coun. Jackson, that the owner requesting the signs be responsible for putting out signs.
Reeve Terry Millar said for $150, the township can erect the signs, because Mr. Langton won’t know when the trucks will be arriving.
“I’m not saying put up a sign for $10,000,” he said. “Let’s pay the 150 bucks for the signs and get them up. At least we’re doing something.”
Council agreed to erecting the two signs. Mayor Johnson noted if the signs don’t encourage people to slow down, then the flashing light idea can always be brought back to the table for discussion.
