North Hill residents speak out over ‘very scary’ intersection after fatal crash

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This article was published 29/11/2016 (3415 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

North Hill residents are once again sounding the alarm over the dangerous intersection of Braecrest Drive and 18th Street North.

The recent concerns come in the wake of a fatal accident at that exact location earlier this month that claimed the life of an 84-year-old woman.

For many residents living in the Oak Bluff area, west of 18th Street, navigating the intersection every day is a risky task.

“Maybe at one time that intersection was fine how it is, but with the growing population up there and the new residential area, as well as businesses … it’s becoming a big concern that needs to be looked at,” Greg Crisanti said. “Especially for residents like myself that are up there during busy peak times of the day. It’s very scary trying to get across or trying to get home on a day-to-day basis.”

This isn’t the first time people have spoken out about this intersection. Last year, a story appeared in The Brandon Sun, with residents expressing concern for both motorists and pedestrians. At that time, one resident said it was “terrifying” to try to cross on foot, and a “free-for-all” for motorists.

The speed limit along 18th Street North is 70 km/h, and excessive speed is an issue, especially in the southbound lanes. Motorists often seem confused as to who should go first, or ignore the rules out of frustration.

“Depending who you have coming across from the other side, it can be very dangerous, not knowing if they’re going to go, or if you’re supposed to go,” Crisanti said, adding the area could also use more street lights.

North Hill resident Jennifer Seitz said she has had numerous close calls from being cut off by westbound drivers turning left onto 18th Street.

“There is no safe pedestrian crossing there. Vehicles won’t stop or they turn right in front of you as you are trying to cross,” she said.

Curtis Sali, another Oak Bluff resident, had his car written off due to a collision at that intersection a few years ago. He said his children are frightened to cross there on foot or by bike, and hopes a change is in the works.

“Depending on the time of day, trying to get westbound across 18th Street can be a real challenge,” he said. “It’s almost quicker to go up to the set of lights … do a u-turn and then come back that way.”

Eighteenth Street is under the jurisdiction of Manitoba Infrastructure, so any changes would have to come from the direction of the province.

Coun. Jeff Fawcett (Assiniboine) said the intersection has been the subject of recurring complaints from residents over the years, and an issue city council is trying to address.

“It’s an intersection that has been absolutely an ongoing concern, and it’s just tragic that the worst-case scenario has occurred,” he said.

In previous years there had been discussion about putting a road through Hamilton Drive or Quail Ridge Drive as an alternate route, but that was never done.

“Personally, I’ve had issues with that intersection because of the lack of communication maybe or indecision between the city and the Highways department,” Fawcett said. “It’s kind of like it’s the border of who takes responsibility there.”

Coenraad Fourie, the city’s manager of development and transportation, said the city is working jointly with Manitoba Infrastructure and Assiniboine Community College to undertake a corridor study for the entire Braecrest Drive, including the intersection at First Street and 18th Street.

“We will be looking at the intersections, the safety of the intersections, the way they function … also what are possible alternative solutions for some of the operational challenges that may exist,” Fourie said, adding they will also revisit older studies done previously on these specific areas. An obvious solution would be to install traffic lights at 18th Street and Braecrest Drive. However, due to the steep slope of the hill, it may not be feasible. The full scope of the study will be determined in early 2017, Fourie said.

Fawcett said “complete co-operation” has to occur with the province and city.

“They have to share responsibility for that intersection, and we have to come up with some kind of solution. It may be of inconvenience to some at the end of the day, but it’s not a great situation as it is, never has been.”

On Nov. 19, a two-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection. Two occupants of an SUV travelling westbound on Braecrest Drive and the driver of a car travelling northbound on 18th Street North were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The passenger in the SUV, an 84-year-old Brandon woman, was later transported by air ambulance to Winnipeg, where she passed away.

“Until we know definitively what the actual cause of, or contributing factors for that accident is, we can’t really react to that,” said Fourie, adding they are waiting for the final report.

A request to interview an official with Manitoba Infrastructure was not granted. An emailed statement was sent instead, saying the province uses nationally recognized protocols to determine traffic control at intersections on provincial roads.

“These have been applied to the intersection at 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive,” according to the spokesperson. “An updated function study is planned for this intersection in cooperation with the City of Brandon, likely in the spring.”

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