BLOOMFIELD CORNER, P.E.I. – Department of Transportation personnel erected flexible and reflective delineator posts at the Bloomfield Corner roundabout late last week.
That's just days after an Alberton Town Councillor raised safety concerns about Highway 2's western approach to the roundabout in the area.
Alan Curtis shared with RCMP Staff Sgt. Derrick Hewitt at the Alberton Town Council meeting earlier in the week, his view that the interruption of the white lane marker at the entrance to the business lot to the right, in combination with the approach lane to the roundabout sweeping left, presents a safety risk.
Curtis suggested there is potential for motorists, especially those unfamiliar with the roundabout, to continue straight and collide with the barrier that separates the approach lane from the parking lot.
Curtis said the lane would be even more dangerous in dark, wet weather and when there is snow on the ground.
In an interview last week, Stephen Yeo, the department's chief engineer for capital projects, suggested reflective markers would be installed to alert operators of snow-clearing equipment to the barrier. He added that the department intends to let snow build up on the barrier.
Curtis, in a subsequent interview, acknowledged reflective markings and a snow cutting should make the approach safer. He thinks the reflective markings should be in place year-round to reduce the risk of motorists hitting the barrier, or driving into the parking lot while thinking they are still heading for the roundabout.
Having become familiar with what he sees as challenges with the approach, Curtis said he slowed down more than normal recently when it was raining hard. In weather like that, he said, the way the approach is designed becomes challenging.
Yeo said the roundabout has been functioning as intended since opening to traffic in July.
