Perhaps it's an intersection you cross every day on your way to work, perhaps it's an intersection you're not familiar with. Nevertheless, the Westward bound ramp in Beaconsfield which intersects at St-Charles Boulevard and Highway 20 has been a point of contention amongst civilians for many years.
There are a few factors that make the intersection especially worrisome. Firstly, it is incredibly busy, particularly during peak rush hour, both in the morning and in the evening. Secondly, the intersection is frequently used by pedestrians being that it is located near many commercial hot spots. Lastly, conflicting road signs and lights often lead to confusion amongst both pedestrians and drivers.
Beaconsfield resident John Barry reached out to the city regarding the intersection.
"I have for years advocated better pedestrian safety conditions at the underpass at St. Charles and the 20 Highway. There was some promised action but little has been done. This remains a dangerous place for pedestrians."
- John Barry
According to Barry, there is allegedly a contradiction between traffic lights and road signage.
In his letter to the city, Barry asked that it take a closer look into the matter.
"If you exit HWY 20 traveling west and you go down the ramp to the crossing. The painted road signs indicate that you have two choices, turn left or right. However, the traffic lights indicate three choices, turn left, right or go straight ahead. The painted road signs and the lights must be consistent! Could you please check this out?"
The city's section head of projects, Frédéric Gauthier reached out to Barry and informed him that the matter would be addressed at the next Traffic Advisory Committee meeting which is set to be held on May 6th, 2022.
West Island News will continue to cover the matter as the situation progresses.
