Debates of February 1, 2006 (day 20)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier I spoke of the Highway No. 3 and the importance of public safety. Highway No. 3 is a major highway to Yellowknife from the South. Given the increase of traffic volume, especially with the winter road opening sometime this month, there is going to be a high increase in the traffic volume on heavy equipment, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask the Minister of Transportation, will he make the commitment in the House today to have traffic signals installed at the intersection of Highway No. 3 and Behchoko access road? I would suggest something similar to what is in place at intersection of Highway No. 3 and Highway No. 1. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think it would be premature for me to commit to installing traffic lights at the intersection of Behchoko at this point. We weren’t aware that there was a safety concern at that intersection. We are doing a review of what roads are public access roads that we have on inventory. We will certainly look at the request from the Member. Other communities have also requested to have lights installed at their intersections. That is something that we will have to take into consideration as part of a review. We will also start looking at what public access roads now maybe should be turned over to the municipalities. There are a number of things that we will be taken into consideration. But as to a specific commitment to install lights, at this point I am not in a position to do that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up, if the Minister is not committing today, but I understand he wants to work with his department on this particular issue, will the Minister at least commit his staff to talking to my constituents and other constituents who make heavy use of road and report back to the House with a plan to deal with the safety concerns? It is becoming a big issue in the Monfwi riding, the Behchoko specifically and Edzo that there is a high traffic volume that is coming into play. It has been addressed as a huge safety issue in the community. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Member has indicated that it is a safety concern for his community. We would certainly commit to talking to the leadership and the residents of Behchoko. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there has always been a government’s vision for the NWT highway that includes an operating highway system that provides for improved safety, reliability for people and resource development. Now we are in the process of resource development and new upgraded community access roads, paving the road and whatnot. At the same time, I just have one final question to the Minister. When will he commit to meeting with the Tlicho leadership to deal specifically with the lighting system at Rae access road? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 310-15(4): Traffic Lights At Behchoko Access Road Intersection

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can’t give a specific date, but we’ll have our staff go into the community as soon as possible. Thank you.