A serious, head-on collision at the curve on Hwy. 10 near Scott Rd. has highlighted the need to do something to protect motorists, according to the municipality and local police.
The Corporation of Delta would like to put in a median barrier, similar to the one that was installed on Nordel Way a year ago following fatal collisions on that road. Unfortunately, it can't do that right away since the jurisdiction lies with the province.
Const. Ciaran Feenan, a spokesman with the Delta Police Department, said a conversation will have to take place between the province, the municipality, and the police department.
"But certainly things like that ultimately save lives," he added.
Coun. Robert Campbell, chair of Delta's Traffic Safety Committee, said he raised the barrier issue at council back in February under new business at the end of the meeting.
"A motion was passed to ask staff to have that discussion with the transportation ministry and see what can be done," he said, but added no report has come back to council about those discussions.
Campbell said it can take some time for things to "filter through" the ministry.
"But there was unanimous agreement among mayor and council that this would be a good thing."
Kate Trotter, a spokeswoman with the ministry, said it has responded to Delta’s inquiry about installing a median barrier, and is currently revising the safety issues the Corporation has raised.
"Media barriers have proven to be a successful tool in improving road safety and reducing head-on collisions, and the ministry is looking into the possibility of installing a concrete media barrier at this location," she said via email. "Preliminary design work and cost estimates are underway. These are expected to be complete in the end of 2012."
At approximately 7:20 a.m. on July 25 Delta Police responded to a three-vehicle collision in the 11900 block of Hwy. 10.
Three people were taken to local hospital, two with serious but non life-threatening injuries, and another with minor injuries.
According to Delta Police a vehicle traveling eastbound on Hwy. 10 had crossed the centre line into the path of a westbound traveling vehicle which was struck head on.
The roadway was closed for several hours in both directions as morning rush hour traffic was diverted around the scene.