WATCH: “Somebody is eventually going to get killed there or hurt”: Swansea Point residents push for turn lane

SWANSEA POINT – Some residents of Swansea Point are speaking out about a highway turnoff they say is dangerous.

They’re pushing for a left turn lane heading south on Highway 97A at Hunt Road.

The street is the only access to homes on Hummingbird Drive and Hunt Road.

“You come up the hill where Hunt Road is and it is almost a blind intersection,” says Dan Keely with the Swansea Point Community Association. “Somebody is eventually going to get killed there, or hurt anyway, it is just a matter of time.”

Rick Martens still remembers a close call he had. He was turning left when the vehicle behind had to slam on the brakes.

“What I’m worried about is nothing will be done about it until a fatality occurs,” says Martens.

Highway 97A is currently under construction in the area.

A new bridge is being put in to replace a culvert.

The upgrades are aimed at preventing future flooding after floodwaters temporarily closed the highway in June 2012.

Residents are happy to see the bridge installed but some would have liked to see the project go further adding the left turn lane at Hunt Road.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure didn’t have anyone available for an interview today.

“The ministry looked at the Hunt Road intersection during the design of the bridge and found that it was operating safely and did not warrant the addition of a left turn slot at this time,” said the ministry in a written statement. “The ministry has committed to continue to monitor the location closely and will look at possible future improvements if required.”