Improve safety at rural intersection, says councillor Mike Leggett
By Liz Dadson
 

Feature

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Intersection of Bruce County Road 7 and the Southline

Kincardine council must install rumble strips and improve the signs at the intersection of Bruce County Road and the Southline, says councillor Mike Leggett. At the council meeting May 20, he said there was a fatality at that intersection a month ago and another collision May 19.

"This council has to make a decision to have rumble strips cut into that road," he said, noting that chief administrative officer John deRosenroll has contacted the county engineer about putting "Stop ahead" signs and larger "Stop" signs at that intersection as well.

"We should have our mayor apply pressure to get this done," said Leggett, "before there is another fatality." "I will speak to Brian Knox (county engineer)," said mayor Larry Kraemer.
"So, let's just cut the damn strips in the road and get it done," Leggett stressed.

Deputy mayor Laura Haight cautioned council on jumping ahead with this. "It's not that I'm objecting to rumble strips but there is a methodology to this. It's hard to argue the need for them here, but you can't do this at every intersection in the municipality."

Councillor Gordon Campbell said he asked for this to be done about three years ago but was told by public works manager Jim O'Rourke that the request had to go through the county. "Now, we've had a fatality at that intersection. It's our road. Let's just do it."

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27/05/2009 12:26 AM

"The visibility is poor at that intersection too," added councillor Marsha Leggett.

Councillor Guy Anderson said the Ripley Fire Department has been called to that intersection because of motor vehicle collisions, and he has heard complaints from a neighbour who lives in that area. "We really need something back about 200 yards from the intersection," he said. "Maybe flashing lights or 'Stop ahead' signs. Vehicles heading westbound need some indication that there's a Stop sign there; otherwise, they just fail to stop."

Council agreed to have the mayor check with the county engineer, and have the public works department check into putting in rumble strips on that road.