As a newer resident of Parksville Qualicum Beach (summer 2016) and a reader of the PQB News, I have been following the plans for the installation of a traffic circle at the intersection of Memorial Avenue and Highway 19A with interest and dismay.
I walk frequently in that area and cannot understand why a three-way light, with an advance left turn signal for drivers turning up Memorial, has not been recognized as the more economical and safer option.
Consider the land required to accommodate the heavily used traffic circle at Memorial and Rupert Road.
There does not appear to be enough room at 19A and Memorial for construction of a circle to accommodate trucks hauling trailers and large RVs that frequently use the beachside corridor. What would be done to ensure pedestrian safety if a circle is installed?
Surely monies could be better used installing a much-needed traffic circle at the busier and dangerous three-way meeting of 19A, Village Way and Country Club Drive.
There is adequate land available there for a circle to be built, which would easily accommodate all sizes of vehicles. Cyclists could also use the circle to access any direction safely.
There has been a divider added at Village Way that helps drivers turning both onto or off of 19A; however, crossing the busy highway section remains difficult and often unsafe.
Several residents of the Eaglecrest area, as well as my husband and I, rarely attempt to cross 19A there due to heavy traffic and lack of visibility.
Accidents have happened, some with serious consequences. As our community grows, this problem site will only get worse.
Is it not time to have another look at where an expensive traffic circle is actually required?
Catherine Low
Parksville