Changes coming to deadly Brandon intersection

BRANDON — The provincial government is making a number of changes to the intersection where a collision claimed the life of a 49-year-old woman and resulted in charges being laid against a semi-truck driver.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said four-way stop signs with flashing red lights will be installed at Highway 110 and Richmond Avenue East in Brandon.

Currently, only drivers heading north and south on Highway 110 are required to stop.

Rumble strips and digital road message signs will be installed to give drivers additional warning of the stop ahead.

The measures will be in place until traffic lights, which were erected in 2025, can be activated this summer.

The lights have been covered with tarps pending the arrival of at least one needed part and signalling upgrades by Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the province for a nearby rail line.

The intersection was the scene of a major crash on May 27, when a semi-truck driving north on Highway 110 failed to stop and collided with an SUV. The impact caused the SUV to hit a southbound semi that had stopped at a stop sign.

The driver of the semi-truck has been charged with dangerous driving causing death. Brijpal Panwar, 35, was granted bail in Brandon provincial court on Monday and will be allowed to live in Ontario while awaiting trial.

— Brandon Sun