TruckingThe Government of Manitoba recently announced a proposed roundabout for the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway at Highway 16, or the Yellowhead Route. While the MTA welcomes infrastructure investment, we always want to ensure that the investment is the right one.
We have several questions for this proposal, including (but not limited to):
- the impact of trains crossing and blocking traffic at nearby railroad tracks;
- the footprint of a roundabout that safely accommodates long combination vehicles;
- the safety impact of being the only roundabout on the Trans Canada Highway;
- and the impact of winter and heavy snows in such an intersection.
While we have questions, we are being open-minded about this project. It is always our goal to use the right tool for the job. We are aware that roundabouts are used in various parts of the world to great success; however, we have not yet seen or learned of any used at intersections like this one. Generally, roundabaouts seem to be used in single lane situations or to replace on/off ramps. They don’t tend to be used in single-double lane intersections at highways speeds.
We look forward to learning more about why the Government of Manitoba feels that this is the right tool, why this job is suddenly a priority, and if there are better options, such as a cloverleaf, that would be a better fit.
Members with questions are encouraged to contact us. Non-members, if you want a say in the direction of Manitoba’s trucking industry, it’s time to join the Manitoba Trucking Association. Contact us at 204-632-6600.