Balgonie residents upset over closed road

A meeting held by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure had some Balgonie residents heated Wednesday night.

Hundreds of community members came to voice their concerns to the Ministry of Highways about blocked access to Main Street from the TransCanada highway.

The access was blocked after the Balgonie over-pass opened with highway officials calling it unsafe.

READ MORE: Balgonie residents appeal for partial reopening of Highway 1 access point

“Very grateful that the overpass happened, but I’m upset about the fact they eliminated the access at Main Street when they could easily have a right in, right out access point there, and they could deliver it, and design it safely,” said Balgonie resident Mark Lloyd.

People had three minutes to air their grievances, a rule that was scarcely followed as residents spoke out of tune and others cheered in agreement with the issues being raise.

“It gives us an opportunity to explain the rationale behind the decision, second of all, as you have heard quite clearly tonight there is concerns about access to business,” said Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure Doug Wakabayashi.

READ MORE: Balgonie overpass set to open early next week

“We want to talk about what options might be to ensure those businesses are visible to motorist and travelers, and know how to get to them, and thirdly and most importantly, there has been lots of concerns tonight about how first responders can get on and off of Highway 1.”

The meeting came after more than 2,300 people signed a petition about the lack of access.

Another meeting will be held on September 25 with the community and the ministry with the focus being on emergency services, and how to adjust with the blocked access.

With files from Sarah Komadina