The Ministry of Transportation’s plan for the Stickle Road intersection appears to have substantial opposition among the residents of Vernon, and I think for good reasons.
A suggested solution is to start with a northbound Highway 97 traffic pattern and reduce the speed limit leading towards 48th Avenue from 80 to 50 kilometres per hour. Increase to 70 km/h after the 48th Avenue light and leave it at 70 until after Stickle Road. Why? To reduce accidents on the overpass, especially in winter, and to accommodate incoming northbound traffic from 27th Street. Install either a roundabout or traffic lights on Stickle Road, then increase the speed limit to 90 km/h.
Southbound, slow to 70 km/h at the weigh scales, and caution for the roundabout or traffic lights. Maintain the 70 km/h after this, in anticipation of upcoming traffic patterns.
My preference is a roundabout. A proven traffic-calming solution has been encountered in Britain, Europe, and in Washington State, south of the Sumas border crossing.
The businesses in the Stickle Road area may well accept some encroachment on their properties, if necessary, to accommodate the roundabout.
Reg Scott
Coldstream
