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Traffic accidents

Concerns Over Highway 97B Intersection Ignored by Ministry of Transportation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A mother's heartfelt plea for safety at a notorious intersection has been met with a lackluster response from the Ministry of Transportation. Joy de Vos, whose daughter was recently involved in a near-fatal collision, is calling for a dedicated left-turn lane on Highway 97B. According to de Vos, the intersection's design makes it a recipe for disaster, with drivers regularly speeding over the white line on the shoulder. Despite her daughter's harrowing experience, the ministry has maintained that the intersection does not meet the criteria for a dedicated left-turn lane, citing 2022 traffic counts and an assessment that deemed it not a critical constraint. The ministry has, however, assured that traffic and safety conditions in the area remain diligently monitored.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joy de Vos, a concerned citizen, has raised concerns about the Highway 97B/Deep Creek Road intersection due to its hazardous design and the risk of serious accidents.
  • De Vos's daughter was involved in a near-fatal collision on May 31, where she was rear-ended by a northbound vehicle and pushed into oncoming traffic, narrowly escaping with minor injuries.
  • The Ministry of Transportation conducted traffic counts and an assessment in 2022, which determined that a dedicated left-turn lane was not warranted at that time.
  • The ministry has acknowledged that traffic patterns can change over time but has not committed to taking any action, despite de Vos's pleas for a dedicated left-turn lane.
  • De Vos has expressed disappointment and frustration with the ministry's response, fearing that a fatal accident will occur at the intersection if safety measures are not implemented.

Statistics:

  • In 2022, traffic counts were conducted at the Highway 97B/Deep Creek Road intersection, with no dedicated left-turn lane deemed necessary.
  • A recent assessment of the intersection for the Highways 1/Bruhn Bridge project did not identify it as a critical constraint.
  • The Ministry of Transportation has assured that traffic and safety conditions in the area are being "diligently monitored."

Sources:

  • Salmon Arm Observer (Copyright 2025)
  • Ministry of Transportation (via email)

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