Dangerous Paradise crossing to get new fix within days
By Mark Squibb \ May 26, 2023
Members of Paradise council voted last week to install a temporary traffic light structure at the intersection near the Marie’s Mini Mart and Octagon Pond.
The temporary light will remain in place until the Town receives a permanent solution to improve safety for pedestrians at the crossing, including the construction of an island. The contractor undertaking that work is waiting for materials to begin construction.
A vehicle crashed into the previous traffic light pole last April, and the lights have been out of operation ever since. The pole has been removed as well.
“A replacement system is currently being engineered and it is anticipated that the lead time for a replacement system is 16 to 20 weeks after the award,” said councillor Deborah Quilty. “Working with Town staff, the traffic light service provider proposed a temporary solution that will enable the lights to be in operation 10 days after approval to process. The temporary solution will not be as good as the original arrangement, but will be a vast improvement over no signals, as is the current case.”
Black and McDonald Ltd. quoted the work at $14,784 HST, which includes the supply and installation of the temporary pole and traffic light. Quilty recommended that council approve the work.
“Installation includes a connection to the controller to make it fully operational approximately 10 days after the approval,” said Quilty. “The arrangement will be in use until the pole damaged by an automobile accident is delivered.”
As the work was unplanned, it was also unbudgeted.
“Right now, there are not adequate funds in the 2023 Traffic Light Repair and Maintenance Budget to pay for this repair, therefore it will have to be paid from realized savings and other parts of the 2023 Transportation Budget,” said Quilty.
Councillor Patrick Martin supported the recommendation.
“As we know, this is a very high traffic area of town,” said Martin. “It’s too bad we had to experience a traffic accident over there, but things happen. I’ve gotten significant messages in the last number of days asked about this intersection and when it will be repaired again. It’s a repair that was not budgeted for, but staff are confident we can find savings somewhere else to help pay for this. It’s very important for the safety of the public. Even though it’s $14,000 and change, I think it’s money well spent and that it needs to be done. So, I look forward to having this done, hopefully in the near future, 10 days after tonight.”
Quilty noted that work is to be done ASAP and reminded folks that in the interim, the Town has posted flags at the intersection that pedestrians can carry across the road with them to make them more visible to traffic.
Councillor Larry Vaters had the last word on the matter.
“Yes, there is a cost, but what is the cost of safety?” said Vaters. “Safety is absolutely paramount when it comes to residents crossing a very busy, high traffic area.”
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting prior, council approved an additional $5,750 to install a new accessible crosswalk and walking trail connection at the intersection. That will be added to the more permanent solution that council envisages.