Construction crews have started the process of putting up traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 59 and 311 east of Niverville. Local resident Barry Piasta says this is a good first step.
Piasta organized a rally in that community in February. The rally was held in attempt to convince the provincial government to make upgrades to that crossing. A two vehicle collision that month at that intersection sent three people to hospital with serious injuries.
"There's just too many accidents," notes Piasta. "It's so difficult to get on from Niverville from 311, getting on to 59 if you're going north."
Last month, a spokesperson for Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation noted if all goes according to plan the lights should be up and running by Christmas. But Piasta says more needs to be done there.
"It is drivers' fault that these things occur," says Piasta. "But we have to try to do anything we can to try to protect people, not only ourselves but also to protect us from others who might not be as careful."
Piasta says it would be great to see Highway 59 twinned further south. Yet, it is his belief that even if they were to announce that project today, it would take ten to fifteen years before that would happen. Or, he says he wishes an overpass could be built there, but says that is highly doubtful.
"Manitoba is very lean on thinking of the future, it seems like the Manitoba government is always more reactionary," says Piasta. "For instance, if they did put an overpass it would be a lot cheaper now then it is going to be in thirty years."
Furthermore, he says with the rapid growth of the region, there will only be more and more traffic heading down Highway 59.
Meanwhile, Piasta says he is hearing mostly positive reaction to the traffic lights going up. But he says there are always naysayers, and in this case it's those complaining that traffic lights will add time to their daily commute.
Read More:
Traffic Lights To Go Up This Year Yet East Of Niverville
Highway #59-PR 311 Corner To Be Signalized
Locals Rally For Intersection Improvements
Thu, May 2, 8:30 AM
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