“I would like to commend the individuals who were involved in likely saving a life after last weekend’s accident at the corner of Highway 59 and 311. While they may not want to be recognized as hero’s, they truly are and they represent the care and concern for one another that residents of this region show so often in so many ways. Thank you also to the emergency personnel who responded and who are always there to help those in need.
Also, I’d ask that Manitobans keep in their thoughts and prayers those who were injured in the accident. We all wish them a quick recovery.
This intersection has been a concern for many years as a result of increased traffic volumes due to population growth in the region. Many MLAs, past and present, have expressed concern about the design and structure of the intersection as our region has grown. Both the MLA for Morris, Shannon Martin and myself have spoken and written to the NDP government in the past asking that short-term solutions and long-term solutions to improve the safety at the intersection be presented and acted upon. The most troubling thing isn’t that we got an unsatisfactory response to these concerns; the most troubling thing is that we received no response at all.
Today it has been reported that the NDP government is in the process of an engineering safety study of the intersection from which potential changes may be suggested. While this provides some reason for optimism, it is at best cautious optimism.
Too often we have seen studies undertaken and options presented only to see nothing happen. It is important that residents who are concerned about safety at the intersection continue to speak out about these concerns because a study and proposals on their own will not improve the structure of this or any other intersection.
Of course safe infrastructure is only part of the solution. Safe driving is the other part. As our regional roads get busier we need all drivers to exercise even more patience and safety in their travels to ensure everyone gets home to their families safely. We owe that to each other.”
