Mayerthorpe council hears concerns about town intersections and road safety

A citizen approached Mayerthorpe town council to discuss main street intersections and potential traffic risks during the Aug. 10 regular meeting.

Abby McKillop asked council if there was anything to be done about intersections where it’s difficult to see, due to angle parking.

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“It becomes a hazard trying to leave the intersection; there’ve been a couple of times where there have been near-misses,” McKillop told council.

Before her presentation at the meeting, McKillop submitted a letter to the town, with photos illustrating the main street situation.

The letter identified the intersection between main street (50th Street) and 49th Avenue as an example where visibility issues may occur. The area is between Co-op and Mayerthorpe Value Drug Mart.

Another example given was at the 48th Ave. intersection, which is closer to Mayerthorpe Mini Market, with McKillop saying the issue extends to 50th Ave. (near Hendrickson Black).

“It’s also the same with pedestrian crosswalks; it’s hard to see the people in time,” McKillop told council during the meeting. 

That said, McKillop noted that traffic does stop for pedestrians.

She suggested the yellow paint on curbs, indicating areas with no parking, be extended by two or three car spaces. The letter suggests this extension would increase visibility and improve traffic safety.

“I get that it’s going to take away public parking, especially on main street, so I know there might be some pushback,” McKillop told council.

However, she said she’s spoken to some business owners, and most have said a reduction of parking space wouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Mayor A.J. Malcolm suggested that town staff reach out to local businesses.

Coun. James Mason’s motion to accept the presentation and direct town administration to further look into the matter was carried.

Malcolm said the matter will be brought back to council at a future meeting.

bquarin@postmedia.com