By Tom Mark

Ministry Checks Out Hospital Crosswalk

Mar 29, 2018 | 3:40 PM

The issue of the safety crossing Highway 97 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital has come up again on social media.

Some people have complained of almost being hit by vehicles as they try to get across, in what has been a long standing concern.

The Ministry of Transportation tells CJIB News, Ministry staff were at the intersection crosswalk Wednesday to ensure the low-light pedestrian lights that were installed last year are operating effectively.

Speed reader boards were also installed at the site today, reminding drivers to obey the posted speed limit of 50 km/h.

RCMP monitored the intersection last week, as speed is sometimes an issue on the northbound lanes, and the Ministry says it will continue to engage with the police on this issue.

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The intersection does not have an activated crosswalk triggered by pedestrians, for engineering and safety reasons, due to the steep nature of the hill.

At this point, there’s no consideration of an overhead crosswalk.

“We’ve discussed a pedestrian overpass with the City of Vernon in the past,” says a statement from the ministry. “This would be a city initiative. The location and the land required to construct a pedestrian overpass would not be feasible without significant property impacts.”

by Tom Mark