At its monthly meeting last week, Council of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) adopted the by-law required for the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of County Road 17 and County Road 19 (Chemin du Quai) in the Wendover area. The work will be completed by the end of the fall season.
This past spring, County Council decided to temporarily reduce the posted speed limit in this sector from 90 km/h to 70 km/h, as a result of safety concerns expressed by residents of the region. This measure was implemented until such time that improvements could be made to increase motorists’ safety in the affected corridor, including these traffic signals – as is already the case in other sections of County Road 17.
“There have been many concerns expressed in recent years regarding the need to improve this dangerous intersection, and we take these concerns very seriously,” explained François St-Amour, Warden of the UCPR. “Council wishes to thank residents and motorists for their understanding during this temporary period. Please note that we listened carefully to your feedback, including the online petition, but that ultimately, the road safety for our citizens will always be our top priority.”
Following the public’s feedback, as well as an evaluation of the temporary speed reduction, the UCPR’s Public Works Department consulted with regional mayors, area residents and the local municipality to discuss the next steps.
“A budget of $225,000 was included in the 2018 budget for improvements at this intersection. In order to alleviate the problems as quickly as possible, we will proceed with the installation of the traffic lights by the end of autumn,” added Marc Clermont, Public Works Director for the UCPR. “Following that, our department will re-evaluate the need for further improvements, including additional turning lanes.”
Over the past few years, the UCPR’s Emergency Services Department has responded to a number of road accidents involving serious injuries at this intersection, many of which were a result of high speed.
At the same meeting, Council also adopted a by-law to reduce the speed limit to 70 km/h on a portion of County Road 17 east of Landry Road, up to Charbonneau Street. The 70 km/h speed limit now extends from Canaan Road to Charbonneau Street, a stretch of about 10 kilometres.
