It really isn't much of a commute, but the route between Battleford and North Battleford became a little more dangerous with the closure of access to Highway 4 from 15th Street in Battleford Dec. 6.
We've been crowing for a few years about how the Battlefords are booming and the volume of traffic on the stretch of highway connecting the two communities is a testament to that growth. What used to be a rush "minute" at 15 minutes before the hour in the morning and again late in the afternoon has evolved into an all day, steady stream of traffic, and its all moving too fast.
Intersections at 35th and 29th Streets are dangerous enough, given turning lanes are provided and the speed limit is "only" 80 kph. Those who now make the choice to turn into the 10th Street access must do so with traffic whizzing by at 100 kph, or faster. And there is no designated turning lane, so traffic must either stop behind someone making a left hand turn or veer onto the shoulder to get by.
Adding into the mix the fact most of this stretch of busy road is poorly lit, means there are many accidents waiting to happen. In fact, one such accident was witnessed at the 10th Street intersection early on a bright, clear day this past summer. All it takes is a moment of inattention by one of those highway speed drivers, and someone is going to get hurt.
There are improvements in the works, with the Town of Battleford working with the Ministry of Highways to twin Highway 4 through Battleford, but as those who lived through the interminable "bridge repair" project know, these things take time.
In the meantime local and provincial governments should look at reducing the speed limits and providing better lighting. It's only a matter of time before something tragic happens.
