When it comes to highway construction or reconstruction, everyone is an engineer. The Highway 4 twinning project through Battleford is no exception, with almost everyone having an opinion about what components of the project should be completed first, what the configuration of the highway should look like, when and where traffic lights should be installed.
The mumbling and grumbling aside, there does seem to be a serious problem with safety in the construction zone.
There are reports no less than three accidents in a short period of time early this week.
A vehicle hit the median at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, another truck was seen on the side of the road at the underpass early Monday morning, obviously having struck the median damaging a front passenger wheel and there are reports another vehicle smashed into the median that morning.
There have been other anecdotal reports of confused folks from away stranded in the ditch after making a wrong turn in the narrow passage currently open at the underpass.
This level of carnage would point to something more than simple driver inattention. This stretch of highway has always been notoriously poorly lit. That situation coupled with what can only be described as nonexistent signage is creating a seriously dangerous situation for motorists.
Add to that the four-way stop at 22nd Street and Highway 4 can only be politely described as a gong show, where no one really knows when they can safely proceed, and Battleford EMS are concern someone will be seriously hurt or, even worse, die before the situation is rectified.
It is hoped these minor accidents will serve as a wakeup call to the contractor to enhance signage along the construction corridor.
