The 35th Street curve coming up from the Flats in Battleford has sometimes been overshot by speeding vehicles in the area of 3rd Avenue and Riverbend Crescent, causing damage to properties adjacent and concern among residents for their safety.
Letters to Town Hall from Brian and Janet Nehring and from Victor and Kanndece Quijada-Sawitsky have resulted in some changes made by the Town of Battleford, including the moving of existing signs and the erection of additional signs, one with a flashing amber light.
While residents had called for a barrier to be constructed, the Town found it had to rule that option out due to liability issues.
At Monday's council meeting, in filling in the councillors about the improvements, Mayor Derek Mahon said he would also like to see new lines painted in the spring. There is one area, he said, where the width of the pavement may be misleading as to where the traffic is supposed to go. But moving some chevron signs away from the bushes along the side of the road closer to the traffic lane has helped.
A curve sign that has been installed includes solar-powered flashing amber bulbs. Council is hoping no nearby residents have complaints about the flashing light.
Councillor Shelley Boutin-Gervais also suggested the Town look at installing a rumble strip along the outside of the traffic area like the ones found on the highway. That will be investigated, said Town Administrator Sheryl Ballendine.
Ballendine also said the residents involved have been sent a letter about the changes. Most recently, town council had received a letter from the Nehrings Sept. 21 asking for a response to the letter they sent in the spring.
In the last five years, there have been three alcohol-related incidents in which speeding vehicles have crashed into the Nehrings' yard. The two most recent incidents, Oct. 30, 2014 and Jan. 30 of this year combined to destroy the Nehrings’ front yard landscaping, fencing and a boat and motor and damage their vehicle and house.
The collision Oct. 30, 2014 also affected the Quijada-Sawitsky property when it destroyed shrubs and uprooted a 15-foot pine tree before coming to a stop in their front yard within 10 feet of hitting the house. That was after it had already passed through the Nehring's yard.
