Traffic lights at Stickle Road cheaper but ‘not appropriate’: province

NEAR VERNON – It’s no secret that some would like to see traffic lights installed at the intersection of Stickle Road and Highway 97.

Last week, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure unveiled its latest plan to make the intersection safer.

READ MORE: “They’ve got to have a light’: third Stickle Road plan draws criticism

However, the proposed upgrades don’t include lights at Stickle Road.

Now the province has confirmed traffic lights would actually be a cheaper option than what is being proposed.

The latest plan for the intersection is expected to cost well over $9 million, while the transportation ministry estimates a signalized intersection would cost $7.8 million.

However, the transportation ministry says a signalized intersection “is not appropriate” at that location.

“It would not improve safety or traffic flow,” wrote a transportation ministry spokesperson in an emailed statement to Global News.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It would not improve safety or traffic flow," wrote a transportation ministry spokesperson in an emailed statement to <em>Global News</em>.

“In addition, our traffic reviews indicate a signal would increase the number of rear–end collisions and affect the free flow of traffic on Highway 97. Also, this location is too close to the weigh scale and 27th street off-ramp for a traffic signal.”

The provincial consultation period on the latest Stickle Road plan continues until June 10.

“The ministry’s overall goal is to ensure that the final design meets proper safety standards, regardless of the increased budget,” wrote a ministry spokesperson.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The ministry's overall goal is to ensure that the final design meets proper safety standards, regardless of the increased budget," wrote a ministry spokesperson.