Drivers can finally be put at ease now that an LED flashing beacon will be installed at a Ridgetown intersection, known as Rushton's Corners.
Chatham-Kent council unanimously approved Councillor David VanDamme's motion to install an LED flashing beacon at the intersection of Ridge Line and Kent Bridge Rd. on Monday night.
VanDamme says numerous residents have complained about feeling apprehensive when crossing through the intersection, which has seen more than 60 collisions in the past 15 years.
He adds that it is the only intersection on the entire strip of road where there is no LED warning beacon.
Many members of council joined in on a discussion to voice their support of the motion.
Mayor Randy Hope says he feels it's important to bring awareness to the community and send a signal that people need to proceed with caution.
Councillor Steve Pinsonneault says "safety does have to come first" in the community. He says "let's do what we can to make that intersection safe."
However, one municipal official doesn't seem to think it's such a great idea.
General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services Thomas Kelly says he is concerned about moving forward with a motion without looking at the data. According to Kelly, police reports show that many of the collisions that have taken place at the intersection were not caused by a lack of drivers stopping. He adds that there are "probably much worse intersections" in the community.
