‘Waiting to happen’

Dear Editor:

It saddens me to learn of the accident that seriously injured Judy Chapman and killed her guide dog Jemma. It especially saddens me to think that there is a high probability this accident could have been avoided.

My statement revolves around the roundabout in Arthur, and the county’s determination to install that roundabout in spite of massive opposition by the community.

There is an unopened road allowance that goes around Arthur known as Wells Street.  For years, the community has wanted this road allowance to be opened up and thereby allow trucks to bypass the rather nasty corner at Smith/George and Frederick streets.

The rationale behind the opposition to the roundabout went something like this:  1) the township on its own does not have the resources to open up Wells street;  2) the county is planning on allocating significant resources to install the roundabout;  3) the county should re-allocate the resources dedicated to the roundabout and assist the township with those funds to open up Wells street.

At the time of the opposition, predictions were made that by forcing the trucks up Frederick Street off Highway 6, an accident was waiting to happen.

Wayne Baker,
Wellington North