By Amy Woolvett
THE COAST GUARD
The town is discussing the best options to reduce risks and increasing the flow of traffic at what can be a tricky intersection in Shelburne.
They have budgeted $500,000 toward upgrades that will include repaving the section of road between Exit 26 and the Irving gas station.
“The roads in that area are in atrocious condition,” said Mike Turney, manager of public works for the town.
The area will also include a concrete sidewalk as well as a widening of the road to include a bicycle lane.
While their attention was turned toward this section of road, the three-way intersection near Spencer’s Garden Centre was extensively discussed as a concern and what possible solutions could be done to fix it.
“That intersection has safety issues,” said Turney. “I’m told that no one has ever been killed there but there have been numerous fender benders…it is only a matter of time before something unfortunate happens.”
He said that it was a confusing intersection to locals and visitors alike including when to signal and who gets the right of way.
“Technically the right of way will go to the vehicle continuing through the Highway 3,” said Turney.
He said that the road was designed that way long before Highway103 was built and the only route through was the Highway 3.
There was a well-attended public consultation last week so that the town could seek to opinion of the public on what should happen.
“They had a lot to contribute,” Turney said.
Turney said that the town was to look at a few possible solutions including straightening out the 3 Hwy to become a more defined T-section, placing a 3-way stop at the area, or possibly even a traffic light.
But while a traffic light and even a traffic circle will be considered Turney doesn’t think that these will be practical solutions.
“Those are much more expensive options,” he said.
He said that they would be bringing up all of the possibilities for councils approval.
Paving of the road will begin in August and is expected to take close to two weeks.
