Luke Ouellette,
Minister of Transportation
Dear Sir:
Kindly let us introduce ourselves. We are the ladies of the Outlet Get Together Club based in the rural community of Bentley. Our club has 21 active members and five honourary members. Established in 1926, our current members strive to carry on the 83 years of tradition and conduct our club in honour of our homes and community.
Like other provincial communities, ours is economically sustained by the agriculture, oil/gas and tourism industries. Given this, our roadways are used daily by large pieces of oilfield equipment, slow-moving farm equipment, school buses and tourists.
Over the past years, our club members have observed a significant increase in traffic volume and vehicle speed in our community, especially at the intersection of Highway 12 and Highway 20, also known as the Bentley corner. Tragically, we have witnessed injury and death of community members due to vehicle collisions at this intersection.
Throughout the past year there has been significant road construction at this corner to attempt to improve traffic flow and lighting to prevent further vehicle collisions. Although these efforts are appreciated, we unfortunately do not think that there have been adequate efforts made to create driver awareness regarding the volume of activity and danger involved in using this intersection.
Firstly, the rate of speed, in our opinion, is excessive and needs to be lowered. Following the time of construction, the rate of speed was set at 80 km/h and this slower speed created awareness to the need to be reactive to other motorists, however recently it was increased to 100 km/h. This speed is not conducive to travelling through this intersection safely.
Secondly, we wish to see more signage placed in and around the intersection. Given the potential for vehicle collisions, we request that blinking warning lights be placed on the Highway 12 east and westbound stop signs. In addition, the placement of ‘high collision zone’ signs would create further awareness to the greater probability of accidents and fatalities at this corner.
Finally, we request that an increased presence of policing authority be made at the intersection. Having an increased police presence, or alternatively, the placement of a digital speed indicator sign placed in the intersection would force individuals to be mindful of their speed and use this intersection with due care and attention.
Thank you for your attention to our concerns. We anticipate your response in short course.
Outlet Get Together Club,
Bentley