People have long been clamoring for a change to the traffic signal at the intersection of Water Avenue and Old Hope Princeton Highway.
Finally, change has happened.
A dedicated left turn signal has been installed by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation after being pressed by the District of Hope. The change will alleviate the long line of cars that backs up at the intersection every summer. Motorists swing into downtown Hope for a break, and when they try to get back to Highway 5 heading north or Highway 3 heading east, Old Hope Princeton Highway is the route to take.
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With a standard light only letting a handful of cars through, the lineups grew long. The fix is appreciated by locals, but according to people responding to the District of Hope’s Facebook post about it, another concern remains.
“We need a traffic light on 6th and the Old Princeton Highway ASAP before someone gets killed or hurt bad,” wrote poster Teresa Walker, her sentiments echoed by several others.
Sixth Avenue meets Old Hope Princeton Highway at the Chevron gas station, and with no traffic control motorists are left to wait for a break in traffic before turning left or going across to the Dollarama/Starbucks plaza. On busy days, breaks in traffic are few and far between and drivers are forced to take risks.
“Wish the intersection on 6th would get some attention,” wrote Cherelle Mandin. “I’ve been almost hit multiple times there.”
Councillor Scott Medlock chimed into the conversation, saying that intersection is “still in the plans,” but it’s in the hands of the Ministry of Transportation.
“It’s being pushed hard,” he said. “We all want this.”