Photo by Vince Fedoroff
GOING NOWHERE – The driver of the commercial van in the background has been charged with driving without due care and attention after his vehicle crossed the centre line of the Robert Campbell Bridge late Tuesday afternoon and collided with the truck in the foreground. Below: southbound traffic was backed up from the bridge clear down to Strickland Street after the RCMP closed the structure for 45 minutes.
A collision Tuesday that tied up late afternoon traffic on the Robert Campbell Bridge does not mean a second access to the neighbourhood is needed, says Mayor Dan Curtis.
A collision Tuesday that tied up late afternoon traffic on the Robert Campbell Bridge does not mean a second access to the neighbourhood is needed, says Mayor Dan Curtis.
"It didn't matter where this happened,” he said today of the horrendous traffic jam.
He noted it would have taken the same amount of time for RCMP to investigate and get traffic moving again regardless of whether the mishap had occurred on the Alaska Highway, a downtown street or the bridge to Riverdale.
The RCMP said in a statement they were called to the scene of the two-vehicle collision on the downtown side to the bridge at 4:05 p.m.
Investigators learned that a male who was driving a white van crossed the centre lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle.
Alcohol is not a factor. The driver of the van has been charged with driving without due care and attention, police said.
The other driver was taken to Whitehorse General Hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the van was unhurt.
No names were released. There were no passengers in either vehicle, though a dog could be seen peering out the window from the van's driver's seat as emergency responders did their work.
It was about five minutes after the collision that Curtis left his office downtown and started heading to his home in Riverdale to get his kids to an appointment.
This morning, he commented he should have taken his bike or the bus Tuesday, but had driven to work to make it to the late afternoon appointment on time.
Today, he noted, he opted for his bike.
After waiting in traffic for about a half-hour, the mayor opted to turn around and head back to the office.
There, he spoke with new city manager Christine Smith, who had been in contact with the RCMP, and was assured that emergency vehicles could get through.
The mayor was also told that regardless of where it happened, it would take some time for police to investigate and get traffic moving again.
It would be a full 45 minutes before the road was open again.
Vehicles were lined up along Second Avenue from the bridge to Strickland Street downtown and to the Super A store in Riverdale before they could slowly begin moving to get in and out of the neighbourhood.
"It really had nothing to do with the width of the bridge,” Curtis said.
He has also been assured the collision had nothing to do with the construction of the bike lanes happening on the side of the bridge, he noted.
In his 17 years living in Riverdale, Curtis said, this is only about the second time he remembers the bridge being closed to traffic due to an accident.
While it happened at a major commuting time for many trying, like himself, to pick up their kids or get home, he said it doesn't mean there's a need to have a second entrance to the area.
The issue does seem to always come up though, he commented.
He said previous city studies show that a second access may be required when the city's population reaches 40,000 and that will be further explored when the city looks at its urban containment boundaries this year.
The mayor also said he's happy there were no major injuries and confident police had the scene under control.
While the city's fire department also responded to the call, there was no need for vehicle extraction nor any major road cleanup.
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Comments (52)
Up 18 Down 3
north of 60 on Jun 7, 2014 at 3:32 am
You forgot to include zombies and global warming in your disaster scenarios to scare people into thinking they need another bridge. Try to keep up-to-date.
Up 8 Down 21
Sally Wright on Jun 6, 2014 at 8:25 am
How about this scenerio. Float plane trying to land on Schwatka Lake, suffers a botched landing and rams into YEC's new Liquified Natural Gas facility at the base of the Dam. The burning plane punctures the tanks and ignites the Natural gas once it has disbursed and heated up. The explosion blocks off all access to the YEC yard, Control system, Robert Service Way and the hydro turbines, diesel turbines and the control structure. The explosion compromises the earthen dam right beside it, a small breach is formed which quickly grows and millions of litres of water surge down, inundating the already compromised YEC infrastructure.
There is no way to stop Schwatka Lake from totally emptying and the flood would sweep down river and inundate downtown, re-float the SS Klondike, then take out the Robert Campbell Bridge. The hospital may be spared because most of the water will flood downtown.
Meanwhile, we will have no electricity, no hospital access, and our communication systems will not work.
It is time that people started to wake up to the reality. If the YEC dam goes, we're hooped. We must stop this LNG project, stick o diesel for backup and get YEC to expand any further generation development above the valley floor.
Up 4 Down 14
ross jacobs on Jun 6, 2014 at 3:26 am
More money for Mount Sima!
Up 11 Down 6
Josey Wales on Jun 5, 2014 at 10:16 pm
Hey Arn......Seldom do I agree with you, today? Not so much of a agreement but accolades...that was funny your last post.
Is it not shameful just how saturated we are NOW with freakin' crybabies?
Up 15 Down 4
Steve O on Jun 5, 2014 at 2:40 pm
We need a ferry and a zip line, pronto.
Up 15 Down 5
north of 60 on Jun 5, 2014 at 9:05 am
"How about a one lane bridge, used only for emergencies"
It already exists, go take a good look at the hydro dam.
Up 21 Down 6
Ben on Jun 5, 2014 at 8:10 am
Put a toll bridge across the river and see how many "Riverdale Residents" takes it!
Up 10 Down 16
Always a Yukoner on Jun 5, 2014 at 4:59 am
How about a one lane bridge, used only for emergencies and if anyone else wants to use it, they pay!
I would not want to live in Riverdale knowing if the bridge is closed for any reason, emergency vehicles cannot get over here. Scary thought with senior residences, schools, well everyone for that matter.
COW needs to deal with this and should of been dealt with years ago. Get rid of the old and in with the new council!! Citizens of Whitehorse, get on this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Up 28 Down 7
Arn Anderson on Jun 5, 2014 at 3:02 am
Sorry, I've been watching Fox News and I am totally worried about Al-Qaeda hijacking a bush plane and crashing into the bridge with magical passports floating thru the air.
Up 29 Down 6
DMZ on Jun 4, 2014 at 9:37 am
What if there was another bridge, and the Robert Campbell "pancaked" (?) into the river and then it hit the new bridge and it pancaked into the river too? What if there was another bridge under construction and it pancaked into the river, too? What if there were three bridges and they were all full of cars and people and cyclists and babies and ambulances and firetrucks and there was a forest fire on one side and an earthquake on the other and they all pancaked into the river, one at a time or altogether?
It would be awful. We'd need another petition, for sure.
Up 12 Down 22
Warrior on Jun 4, 2014 at 6:39 am
So, imagine for a second if the earthquake this morning was larger and located in town and the Robert Campbell pancaked into the river?
The two existing lanes on the RC crossing have already proven inadequate so a default to the single lane goat path across the dam would never suffice for the day to day let alone an emergency situation which would have followed a catastrophic earthquake.
Up 11 Down 22
Charles on Jun 3, 2014 at 3:44 pm
Yes the Mayor made an insensitive comment, but same traffic hold up could have occurred if accident was on Fish Lake Road corner or anywhere else. I think folks are losing sight of major issue here. Our hospital is on Riverdale side of river and this is what needs to be addressed by a 2nd one lane access that is limited to all types of emerg vehicles only. Preferably by a new bridge or alternatively by expansion.
Bikes & pedestrians can use a newly built Millenium Trail type bridge, they do not need to use main bridge, so trash & utilize the sidewalks, Above pictures of this recent accident do show an open lane on bridge that presumably could be used by emerg vehicles let through. This was a panel bender and odds of a major accident on bridge are no different than anywhere else, but it could happen.
Building an access solely for Riverdale residents and school pick ups is not the reason for an answer; everyone knows the details of present Riverdale access. Emergency situations are the issue. Something should be done at cost of all taxpayers.
Up 4 Down 28
Sandy Helland on Jun 3, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Watch out Whitehorse. COW has eyed the land across the river (our wilderness city land) with a view of developing it to pay for another bridge. Don't force a new bridge; make the dam work instead.
Imagine our future city scenery full of rooftops across the river where wilderness fills that picture now.
COW could retaliate with development of land we'd rather see left wild and free.
Up 4 Down 6
Bobby Boucher on Jun 3, 2014 at 6:36 am
Just like my grand papi used to say, a 5 crawfish sandwich is better than 1 crawfish sandwich
Up 34 Down 12
Francis Pillman on Jun 2, 2014 at 11:31 am
Awww, you were late. Boo hoo. I'll assume everyone whining about another bridge are people who just moved here. Whitehorse has turned into the town of whiners. Ban ATVS. Ban everything you hear them scream. Please go back to Toronto. Rob Ford misses you dearly.
Up 11 Down 22
Traffic flow and safety Back Up plan on Jun 2, 2014 at 3:12 am
Where is the traffic flow plan if the bridge is affected for some reason? Where is the safety back up plan if the bridge is out for any length of time?
All the above noise is not helping anything but just waste of time. I like how people have nothing better to do but knock politicians.
Up 17 Down 15
Sam Fister on Jun 1, 2014 at 1:16 pm
I will not vote for the mayor and most councilors.
Planning requires some thought and in some cases substantial investment.
Its time to tap federal infrastructure funding for another bridge, time to plan for the future.
Our mayor and council can be very awkward at times, its embarrassing and it does the city no good.
A hospital requires multiple access points, simple as that. For safety, Riverdale residents require multiple access points as well.
It's time to put ATV planning, bike routes and roundabouts on hold and focus on a bridge.
Up 29 Down 9
Dear Brucie Bickford on Jun 1, 2014 at 4:47 am
... great idea to have the residents pay for the bridge ... brilliant idea genius. Their bridge therefore and they charge a toll for trolls like you to get to the hospital.
Up 38 Down 4
DMZ on May 31, 2014 at 5:48 pm
@Josey Wales -- it's an unusual experience for me, but I have to agree with what you said. I really miss the Whitehorse of only a short time ago. It's not just the totally rearranged physical city, but the spirit. Even 5 years ago something like this bridge mishap wouldn't have fazed hardly anyone (and it should be remembered that this was a very rare occurrence) because 98 percent of us could mentally balance such inconveniences with our choice to live here.
The funny thing is, down south they're so battered by cutbacks and service cuts people would probably be pretty judicious about their demands. Here the combination of easy money and the wanton consumerism that's been encouraged has created an almost unbearable culture of entitlement.
And I can see where a visit to the new DMV would set you off.
Up 13 Down 8
Josey Wales on May 31, 2014 at 12:07 am
Hey Wayne...thanks for the font-O-reason!
You are so so soooooooo correct, we are nothing at all what we were a mere five or ten years ago.
I had said to a lady at the "new" dmv (rant hold...) just yesterday (strangers still speak to each other), that I miss the twenty years ago town. I suppose one will meet a person whom misses the "40 years ago town"...the "10,000 years ago place" etc.
Today we are just like any city anywhere in say the central part of Canada like Regina, Winnipeg, Saskatoon,Thunder Bay and now even international with Manila being well represented.
The real issue now is where does one go to escape? Hell one cannot pull a Dick Proenneke anymore...without a sh--ing in the woods permit!
Why does what I feel is negative change happen so so fast, whilst any attempt at a positive change is like pouring molasses on your toast outside in January?
Up 8 Down 21
Bruce Peckford on May 30, 2014 at 11:02 am
"Way to [sic] many southerners here now, just don't know what they would do if there wasn't a plan? Maybe think on their own? NO, what was I thinking?????”
Remember that old Southerner Joseph-Armand Bombardier? Yeah, the Southern who thought up the snowmobile on his own. Silly Southerner! Who would use such a thing? Just saying.
BP
Up 32 Down 9
martin oreste on May 30, 2014 at 9:34 am
Mayor Curtis: Build the bridge and charge it to the Riverdale Property Owners; just to see how many residents are willing to pay for it.
Up 24 Down 6
Matt on May 30, 2014 at 9:15 am
First of all, the police should not be spending an hour on an accident like this. 20 minutes and both cars are in the corner. Check the cellphones and the guy texting gets to pay for the mess. As to the dude planning on a floatplane crash. Nah....never happen, if an aircraft gets high enough off Schwatka to reach down to the bridge the pilot will find away to get on the water as he will have plenty of time. People need to wake up when they are driving is the reality and really if this is the worst thing that happens this year....we doin good.
Up 14 Down 8
north of 60 on May 30, 2014 at 9:05 am
@OotS Walk or ride your bike up to the hydro dam above the fish ladder at the end of Nisultlin and see for yourself how wide the emergency access is. Nobody expected the firetrucks to cross the footbridges. Don't be ridiculous, it destroys any shred of credibility.
Up 25 Down 15
One of those "Southeners" on May 30, 2014 at 8:23 am
So a friend's facebook status mentioned an accident on a bridge on his way home this week. Took him an extra 3 hours to get home. Wasn't newsworthy, no one much cared. An extra hour here and it's in the papers, on the radio and everyone is talking about it. Inconvenience of an hour on one day, everyone will get over it. But I have signed the petition. A whole neighborhood with only one MAJOR access is dangerous. Yes there are lovely little foot bridges...firetrucks won't make that foot bridge, neither will an ambulance. I'd rather my tax dollars went to public safety than a ski hill...
Up 33 Down 6
DMZ on May 30, 2014 at 8:05 am
@Wayne. I hear that. A lot of these comments are sheer fantasy, laying out a perfect storm of catastrophic events. Cheer up! It might never happen.
Up 25 Down 7
north of 60 on May 30, 2014 at 7:52 am
It should be obvious that the CoW's 'sustainable' mindset wants vehicle travel more inconvenient to force more people onto bikes and transit.
Parents playing chauffeur for their snowflakes are the main cause of the traffic congestion that starts at three. I stay out of there at that time and let them punish themselves in traffic.
When we were kids we walked or rode our bikes to school in good weather and only used the bus in bad weather.
Up 27 Down 18
Salar on May 30, 2014 at 5:28 am
God bless you Wayne......and god bless Dan Curtis
Up 19 Down 10
here's a thought on May 30, 2014 at 4:25 am
If a house requires 2 exits, why doesn't a subdivision? Even Lobird has 2 exits now--last I heard, the population wasn't that high there.
Yes, the damn does have the capability to open but will it solve the problem? I'm still not sure why the current expansion is for bikers and not cars...and maybe build another bridge like the Millenium Trail bridge to alleviate that problem (not that it would get used because people would have to walk/ride the extra minute out of their way). Why not expand the current bridge to 3 lanes, with the middle lane being for flow of the most heavy traffic at the time (similar to down south) and in case of an emergency, an emergency lane.
Up 52 Down 15
Wayne on May 29, 2014 at 10:41 pm
9/11? Everybody freaks out. Highway washes out? Everybody freaks. RC bridge sort of closes? Freak out. Highway washed out for
a week in 1985? Good, maybe we'll be left alone. We are not who we used to be.
Up 29 Down 14
spud on May 29, 2014 at 1:54 pm
Really!! 45 minutes is not long time to deal with accident...but...there could be a better way when there are no fatalities or serious injuries. And Police should not be spending our tax dollars for civil proceedings or Insurance Cos. Just worry about the Criminal side which they seem to have done since charges have been laid.
Call the tow trucks which may have to be escorted..while they are responding get some photos and every police car/investigator should have a can of spray paint in their control - spray the pavement marking the the location of the wheels and get the road open. Photos and wheel location can be used in a later more technical investigation when traffic is lighter.
Stick to your guns Dan...A second bridge would be ludicrous, Riverdale population can not grow much more in future AND there is no really suitable location for a second bridge.
Up 21 Down 24
Geoff Capp on May 29, 2014 at 8:49 am
If Riverdale was only a residential area, not the hospital, I'd say a second bridge was 70% needed - still quite important. But it DOES have the hospital, and no fire hall of its own. I'd say it's nothing less than 100% needed.
That said, the geography defies a second bridge without a contortionist's road routing. Ugly, but probably the best way is to twin the Robert Campbell Bridge, by building a second one next to it, keeping them separate and constructing lanes in such a way that either bridge can be changed to two-way traffic if one is blocked.
In addition, convert the median on Lewes Boulevard into a third lane, used for a second lane for traffic according to time of day (like the Lions Gate Bridge).
Up 32 Down 19
north of 60 on May 29, 2014 at 8:33 am
Another bridge isn't needed just so you're not inconvenienced with traffic a few times during the day.
The traffic congestion is mostly caused by the new lights and poorly designed traffic circle. The traffic situation was better before these 'improvements'.
The hydro dam is available as an alternative route for emergency vehicles.
Your 'thumbs down' opinion is irrelevant.
Up 16 Down 20
Fred on May 29, 2014 at 8:01 am
The Mayor's reaction was fairly "ivory tower." As a representative of the whole city but particularly of his home neighbourhood, it causes one to question his judgement when one can fairly expect a significant majority of his neighbours are of the opposite view.
The rush minute isn't the issue. Health and safety are the issues and his focus on the inconvenience rather than the risk is scary.
The biggest threat is that we live in a volatile tinder box. Riverdale is very vulnerable to forest fire and with the right conditions, a fire could blow up very quickly. Couple an evacuation order with something obstructing the bridge and the ensuing panic would risk tragedy.
The Yukon's own design requirements for subdivisions demand two means of egress - in case one road becomes blocked. Every home built requires more than one means of egress. Riverdale was built before such standards and needs to be brought into line in light of the significant and very real risk of fire.
The remedy need not be a second conventional two lane bridge. It doesn't even need to be a bridge normally operating. The dam offers one prospect but it needs to be modified to be easily available. Better would be at least another one lane emergency bridge which could be part of the Millenium Trail and cross possibly near the Tourism building as someone previously suggested.
Alternatively, twinning the current bridge would be ideal but expensive. Having two bridges there would mean one could be out of commission without crippling emergency escape.
The Mayor needs to acknowledge his knee-jerk comments were not thoughtful and not appropriate to a person holding an office entrusted above all with concern for health and safety.
Up 36 Down 15
Just Say'in on May 29, 2014 at 7:31 am
OMG people! Chicken Little is alive and well. The gate is closed at the dam but it could be opened if needed. The Granola Bridge is capable of motorized traffic and was over designed to accommodate that very scenario. Way to many southerners here now, just don't know what they would do if there wasn't a plan? Maybe think on their own? NO, what was I thinking?????
Up 29 Down 14
Yukon Justice on May 29, 2014 at 6:54 am
Look! If there was a dire emergency I'm sure anyone's 4x4 could clear a path in a minute.
Up 31 Down 12
BnR on May 29, 2014 at 5:58 am
Yukoner 2
Pure knee jerk reactionism. I won't respond to your personal attacks, as we are all nameless here.
If it was needed, the dam is available. The numbers don't justify a second bridge.
Maybe, just maybe, drivers should start paying more attention when on the bridge or anywhere else for that matter?? Was the driver who caused the accident on a cell phone when it happened?
Up 62 Down 29
Yukoner 2 on May 29, 2014 at 1:07 am
@BnR do you even think before you speak and all the other dullard's. The bridge over the dam is not open so this means nothing. As far as the granola bridge last I checked you couldn't drive on it. If you were reading the comments and not thinking of the next great wisdom to come from your fingers you would see that there are other concerns; schools full of kids, no way to the hospital, fires all are real concerns. I hate to say it but someone needs to die before people get it. I'm so sick of hearing walk, ride a bike or hug a f--- ing tree.
Up 40 Down 21
Are you freakin' kidding me? on May 29, 2014 at 12:43 am
"A collision Tuesday that tied up late afternoon traffic on the Robert Campbell Bridge does not mean a second access to the neighbourhood is needed, says Mayor Dan Curtis."
The City will once hospital access is down, or EMS ambulances can't cross the bridge when shut down to respond to someone who is having a heart attack and dies elsewhere in the City. Family will sue the City.
Nice that the shut down impacted businesses in Riverdale too. Most residents of Whitehorse live in Riverdale (5,000) and the only subdivision with one "regular access point", everywhere else doesn't have this damn emergency disaster problem. Screw Simi, build another bridge. Tuesday afternoon showed the absurdity of no control, traffic blocked back past main and 2nd, idiot drivers, vehicles straddling crosswalks. Traffic backed up past EPIC pizza the other way. Easy for the mayor to turn around and head back to the office, not so easy for those with children in daycare.
Shame on the mayor for thinking life is just hunky dorey! Must be, when one has gold back scratchers and tooth picks, working in the ivory tower with thin air. Do a fricking surgery for all Riverdale residents, Q: do you want another bridge built? A: yes or no and comments?
That will truly give you the pulse Mr. Mayor, just not your own assumptions or speculations, that life is gravy when the bridge shuts down. What works for yourself, doesn't cookie cutter us all and our needs. Truly brutal and closed minded comments. Again, survey the residents of Riverdale, or is the City of Whitehorse concerned of the answer they/it doesn't want to hear from a huge property tax payer population??
What a joke! How do you know a third access isn't required to the neighbourhood? The hydro dam access isn't even so, as it's not availed to the public as an option. This issue has nothing to do with the nature of the collision, nor the RCMP, but one lame vehicle route in and out of the city's largest population. Survey, survey, survey.
Find out the truth and wants of residents, not just say "meh, screw it". "I wasn't hampered at all, as I was driving and the photo op on city transit was a facade".
Up 54 Down 63
BnR on May 28, 2014 at 10:27 pm
There is a second way out if required. And you folks would know that if you thought back that far. Technically there are three with the Millennium trail bridge, but that would mean not driving!
When the first RC bridge suffered pier damage traffic was routed over the dam whilst a bailey bridge was constructed.
Of course back then kids walked to school and didn't have their parents shuttle them everywhere.
Building a second regular use vehicle bridge would be a colossal waste of money for what essentially amounts to "rush minute".
Motorists were inconvenienced for 45 minutes. This happens daily in major metropolitan centres.
Get over it.
Up 32 Down 10
Texting maybe? on May 28, 2014 at 2:13 pm
Betcha this was a case of a driver texting and driving. I witnessed the accident first hand and it's scary! So many people driving around staring at their crotches as they drive….two hands, two eyes, two ears, head forward, attention on the road and the traffic….it's the law people! Just lucky nobody was hurt. Scared the heck out of the kids watching from Rotary Park though. And yes, the traffic woes in Riverdale are insane. 15 minutes to turn by the hospital….ridiculous, unacceptable and the City needs to do their job and fix the problem, not expect anybody going to the hospital, Child Development Center or Dept of Ed to wait and wait and wait…what if a woman was in labor, Mayor Curtis? Those lights need to be fixed!!
Up 45 Down 12
Just Say'in on May 28, 2014 at 1:58 pm
If the bridge being blocked creates a problem just hook on and skid them out of the way. "simple". The RCMP have to do a big investigation it seems. Whenever I have called them they say is anyone hurt, if answer is no, you are on your own. Just get them off the bridge and sort it out later. Quit making everything into such a big deal.
Up 37 Down 12
June Jackson on May 28, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Whitehorse has grown.. I also think we need another access in and out of Riverdale.. a bridge could go in right on Wickstrom Road and come out behind the tourism building. Roads are there..I know it's not that simple..but it's a starter plan and Derp and Yukoner are right..we need another access for the 25,000 people or so that cross into Riverdale for work..for home, for illness, for recreation, funerals...I Think the City did a study before they put the lights in. They must know how many travel on that bridge.
Up 43 Down 13
jack on May 28, 2014 at 12:41 pm
There is a second access available across the Hydro Dam. In fact, this used to be an open passage which one could use to cross until late 1980's when the access was restricted.
We used it often as the short route to/from the south access from R'dale.
Up 44 Down 21
Josey Wales on May 28, 2014 at 12:40 pm
If I may?....Turn off the SIMA/special interest cash pipeline, terrace/reclaim the actual ski hill and presto....new bridge PAID for in just a few short years!
given all the epic cash pissed away up here on say things like PooVille?
It is absolutely shameful to have such a weak link in a chain given our FREAKIN" hospital is on the other side of the river.
Are there no windows in the nobles castle to see that?
Using infrastructure cash/taxes for a ski hill Vs. a bridge?
Yup...bad ideas are truly not haircuts, just don't grow out!
Up 40 Down 21
Twyla Risby on May 28, 2014 at 11:59 am
Are you freakin kidding me, Dan Curtis?! What would happen if another accident occurred on the bridge and then there was another emergency?! With the bridge blocked and traffic backed up to the end if Lewes Blvd, how would emergency crew get to it? I tell you, Mr. Mayor, if my house burnt down because you're too busy paying for useless roundabouts and other mindless crap to build an extra route, I'll be sending the damages bill to your office. Let's get hypothetical here and imagine if that bridge ever collapsed. You will have an entire subdivision of residents, 3 schools full of children, two senior residences and a hospital stuck. Imagine if we all had to walk the millennium trail to get out of Riverdale. Idiotic. Plain idiotic.
Up 42 Down 29
Did you see? on May 28, 2014 at 11:12 am
So Dan, Did you happen to see the Ambulance that was stuck in the traffic jam in Riverdale? It couldn't 4x4 over the meridian, through tree's, shrub and boulders to assist in a medical emergency! Never mind the fact someone could have already been in the ambulance already. They had nowhere to go. Couldn't back up as they could not control all the traffic behind them to get them ALL to back up. That's the saddest part. What you don't see, you can't care about. Right Dan?
Yes, there was part of Lewes that was open. The going into Riverdale road was clear, But what was the ambulance to do with vehicles bumper to bumper and Meridians with pretty rocks and shrubs in there. Why not make a turning lane down the middle of Lewes? Would that not speed up half the congestion? Rid the Meridians. Welcome a Turning Lane which can also be used as an emergency lane, Especially in situations like this. Wonderful thought, but not wonderful enough? Of course not!
It is, however, a wonderful thought to have a new Mayor take over, who actually sees the problem and fixes it rather than one who expects everyone to do what he does and thinks like he does. Road congestion? Don't like it? Take a bus! Walk! Car pool! But don't dare expect the government to spend money to fix what the public feels is broken!
Good Call Mayor... Really! Yes, great Idea to widen the bridge for all the pedestrians but not ALL the cars on the roads. Who's brilliant idea was that? And to do it while they are building a new school!? Hauling all those materials across. I don't understand. Seems all backwards to me. Fix the road, build the school, widen the bridge for all. Seems more logical than widening the only bridge (only for pedestrians) at the same time a school is being prepped and built and not fixing the road issues we've had FOREVER!
But what do I know. Then again, It's not even problematic in the Mayor's eyes! Sad really. Maybe he'll (we'll) pay for 4x4 Ambulances then? I want to know I can be saved in a medical emergency. Without the WHAT IF 911 can't get me there. Do we not deserve that Dan? I think we do.
Up 28 Down 15
Johnny on May 28, 2014 at 10:39 am
I agree it can happen anywhere and anytime. It also takes time to clear it however there are alternate routes that people and emergency vehicles can take while the accident is being cleared up.
If there was more accountability in the city and government level on budget and capital spending. I'm sure we would have the room for accommodate for alternate route in the past.
Up 34 Down 26
Rebecca on May 28, 2014 at 10:11 am
This ticks me off. It's completely irresponsible to have only one way in/out of any neighbourhood, and not just because of accidents, inconvenient or isolating or otherwise.
Up 48 Down 30
Robert Austin on May 28, 2014 at 10:02 am
You are wrong Daniel.
Some of us are old enough to remember when the bridge went out in the Sixties and had to be replaced. It was back then that discussion started about a second access to Riverdale.
Your ludicrous comment about not needing a second access to Riverdale just cost you my vote. I shall endeavour to convince others of your non-suitability for mayor.
A. B. C. Anyone but Curtis.
Up 79 Down 32
Yukoner 2 on May 28, 2014 at 8:53 am
Yes Dan but there is two ways in and out everywhere else.
Up 99 Down 42
Derp on May 28, 2014 at 8:22 am
Get your head out of the sand Curtis.
It is only a matter of time before an incident occurs on that bridge that isolates the hospital from the rest of town or Riverdale from the Fire Department and someone could very likely end up dead as a result.
Don't throw your arms up in the air like a small town hick and chalk it up to a 'minor inconvenience' I can recall several accidents on that bridge as well as the chaos on 911 that have all been the canary in the coal mine.
BTW I guess free Mayoral parking trumps the City bus, eh?