City staff 43rd Avenue four-way stop plan hits roadblock

A high level staff estimate of $180,000 to convert a temporary four-way stop at 43rd Avenue and 20th Street got a rough ride at Vernon council on Monday.

“The improvements required for the installation of the permanent four way stop include: removal of on-street parking to permit the construction of sidewalk extensions (bulbs) to house the permanent advanced four way stop warning signs in driver’s line of sight on 43rd Avenue; removal of the rapid rectangular flashing beacon crosswalk on the west side of the intersection; new signs and lines for four crosswalks with accessible ramps; connecting sidewalks and improved street lighting,” stated a report to council from Amanda Watson, transportation manager.

“This looks like a poison pill. We went against administration’s recommendation (to remove the four-way stop),” Coun. Scott Anderson said. “It’s beyond me how we can set up a temporary four-way stop in ten minutes and now we need all these bells and whistles.”

“This is up to $180,000. This is so over the top,” Coun. Brian Quiring said.

Council defeated a staff recommendation 6-1 with Coun. Kelly Fehr voting against the rest of council.

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“Miss Watson has tried to tell you nicely ten different ways that current guidelines require these items, for safety,” Coun. Fehr said.

Long range planning calls for a roundabout at the location, but that could be a decade away.

“Why not save that money and just do a basic four-way stop for now and direct the funds toward a round- about?,” Coun. Akbal Mund said.

Council approved a motion by Coun. Mund calling on administration to bring back a lower cost solution to convert the temporary four-way to a permanent one.