Beach detour brings tiny town big traffic woes
Residents in the tiny community of Crediton are hoping those on their way to and from Grand Bend will slow down when they pass through.
Thanks to a construction detour, the hamlet in the municipality of South Huron is dealing a problem they never thought they’d see -- heavy traffic and speedy drivers.
“Weekends are unbelieveable,” said resident Brenda Martene, who lives on the main street. “It’s just like bumper to bumper to bumper of vehicles.”
She has placed signs on her lawn to warn drivers of children playing. She’s hoping drivers abide by the posted 50 km/h speed limit before someone gets hurt.
The onslaught of sun-seekers coming from the east is known to start on Thursdays. It ends only after they have headed home on Sundays. Martene is especially dreading the upcoming long holiday weekend.
“When they’re coming from the city they tend not to realize that this town is a 50 kilometre. And so by the time they reach us they’re flying.”
Henry Schoelier doesn’t live in the community but he comes every week to watch his grandchildren.
“I like to keep the kids safe you know. I can’t figure out why they can’t find another route to detour this construction, but I guess this is the only way.”
The source of the concerns is a few kilometres to the north. Traffic on Highway 83, one of the main east-west routes to and from Grand Bend, is being detoured because of bridge construction.
South Huron Councillor Diane Faubert says Huron County has taken steps to improve safety, including an electronic sign to indicate driver speeds and extra police presence.
“The biggest fear would be a child getting hit by a car,” she said.
Faubert said she worries the measures taken may still not be enough. She said it’s up to drivers to do their part.
“If there’s a fatality here, the family of that fatality are never going to get over it. The driver will never get over it. And the community will never get over it.”
Bridge construction is expected to last into October. Faubert said she hopes those bound for the ‘Bend will slow down or find another way.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.