WINNIPEG — Dangerous and scary — that’s how residents of Niverville describe the intersection of highways 59 and 311.
A Saturday night crash was the impetus for a rally at the intersection 4 p.m. Monday. Niverville resident Barry Paista was one of the rally organizers.
“There have been far to many incidents at this intersection,” he said.
A 65-year-old Steinbach man was in stable condition Monday night after he was pulled from a car that burst into flames following the crash Saturday. Two women their 20s were also rushed to hospital following the crash; they are also in stable condition.
“Something better be done and it better be done soon before we lose to many lives,” Margaret Germain said Monday.
Germain’s daughter was in a crash at the intersection in 2000. She is grateful her daughter survived and fears for others driving the route.
“I think, ‘Oh my God, am I ever lucky that I got my daughter.’ It’s terrible — something has to be done,” Germain said.
Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck said four crashes were reported in 2014. According to the 2011 Census, the area saw a population growth of 20 per cent. Dyck worries Highway 59 at 311 will continue to see a heavier flow of traffic, increasing the commuter risk, and would like to see upgrades done to the intersection.
“Even if they can put flashing lights or rumble strips in the days and weeks ahead, it would bring greater awareness,” Dyck said.
Adding that he would eventually like to see, “A study on the intersection because the way it was designed is no any longer working with the traffic at that intersection and we need a study done and that will raise the priority of twinning highway 59.”
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