Truckers want overpass for deadly intersection

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This article was published 30/08/2017 (3101 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

No one could say Tuesday what might be wrong physically with the intersection of highways 1 and 16, where six people have died in the past 12 days.

The intersection has traffic lights, signage, reduced speeds and good sight lines — and three incidents in less than two weeks in which people have died.

But truckers who pass the crossroads west of Portage la Prairie thousands of times value grade separation — not ground-level interchanges — as the best way to keep major highways as safe as possible — even though they’re aware that overpasses, cloverleafs and other infrastructure improvements can cost tens of millions of dollars.

“Is it optimally designed? No,” said Terry Shaw, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association. “In general, we absolutely support grade separations.

“Is that our country’s reality? Unfortunately, no.”

Overpasses and cloverleafs are expensive, Shaw lamented Tuesday. “Is it an area worthy of one? We believe so. Is it worthy of being the next one? We don’t have that information.

“We’re awash with at-grade interchanges,” said Shaw, who believes the Perimeter Highway has many ground-level interchanges that the Pallister government considers more urgent for the provincial infrastructure budget than the highway 1/16 intersection.

Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler expressed condolences Tuesday, but wouldn’t comment on any possible infrastructure work at the intersection.

“Our government extends its deepest condolences to the families impacted by these tragic collisions. As the RCMP continues its investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment specifically on these unfortunate events,” Schuler said in a prepared statement.

“The safety of Manitobans is our government’s leading priority in infrastructure. Every person on our roadways deserves to travel safely and always arrive home. We will continue to monitor all roadways and intersections in the province in order to identify those that may require enhanced safety measures,” he said.

The NDP did not respond to a request for comment.

Manitoba needs a comprehensive road safety strategy, Shaw said. Even without building grade separations, technology and design can help, especially anything that reduces distractions, he said.

Shaw said that the NDP was considering a grade separation at the intersection back in 2007, but that fell down the priority list thanks to CentrePort development and the sudden need for infrastructure dollars in the wake of 2011 flooding.

Shaw could not say how many similar intersections in Manitoba have received grade separations. Three major approaches to nearby Portage la Prairie all have grade separations, he said.

Robert Kurylko, a senior transportation engineer associate with Stantec, which designs major construction projects, said Manitoba has not done a grade separation on that small a scale in a long time. It is difficult to estimate without study, he added, because Highway 16 terminates on the north side while a provincial road continues south from the intersection. A railway crossing and cemetery in the immediate area further complicate grade separation.

The RCMP has stepped up its presence in the area, media relations officer Tara Seel said Tuesday. “We have increased patrols and enforcement in the area starting immediately after the collision on Aug. 27, and that continues. We are also doing an education piece through media interviews and you will see safety tips coming out on our social media channels,” she said.

CAA Manitoba said it’s heard lots of complaints from drivers about worn roads and flooding along Highway 1, but no specific concerns about that intersection. The CAA and MPI both urge drivers to be totally focused when approaching significant interchanges.

“Speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving are three preventable causes of collisions. Whether you’re driving on the highway or in the city, the safest thing to do is to drive to conditions, be alert and be conscientious of other motorists. Those three key habits are important all the time, but become even more so when you’re driving somewhere unfamiliar,” said Erika Miller, CAA Manitoba’s public and media relations specialist.

MPI has not raised specific concerns with the province, said spokesman Brian Smiley: “Driving requires the operator’s full attention and concentration. A split second of distraction can result in a lifetime-changing event.”

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca