By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
A Chatham-Kent councillor wants to make a stretch of Highway 40 safer.
To that end, North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville is bringing forward a motion to ask Ontario’s minister of transportation to examine the issue and provide safety upgrades if needed.
According to Jubenville, two intersections on the 27-kilometre stretch are especially problematic, including at Countryview Line, as well as Oldfield Line and Electric Line heading to Mitchell’s Bay. As it stands, the highway is a thoroughfare, with stop signs on the sideroads.
“It just seems that there are more and more accidents happening,” she said. “I don’t know what’s causing it…maybe an influx of traffic or maybe people are just in a hurry all the time.”
And while there hasn’t been a fatality recently, the councillor believes that it’s “just a matter of time.
“As these incidents increase, so does the potential for a fatality or serious injuries,” Jubenville said.
Equally disconcerting, Jubenville added, is the peril faced by farmers crossing Hwy. 40 towing wagons or implements, noting when you add inclement weather to the mix, the danger increases.
The councillor said she’s talked with farmers, who in foggy conditions, take a leap of faith when they drive across the road.
Going forward, Jubenville said she’d like to see traffic lights, flashing stop sign lights and rumble strips considered among the possible solutions.
The councillor said she has discussed the matter with Chatham-Kent head of infrastructure and engineering Edward Soldo and he advised her the ministry is already looking at Hwy. 40.
