2021-01-13

Hand-drawn arrows at Exit 20A raises ire of MLA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The MLA for Queens-Shelburne, Kim Masland, has criticized the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (DTIR) for failing to take remedial action on what she describes as "unbelievable" road painting at Exit 20A near Port Mouton.

A section of Highway 103 was micro-sealed last summer near the exit, and the contractor placed temporary arrows on the highway to indicate the turning and straight lanes.

Four months later the temporary arrows are still in place and Masland is not impressed.

"They were hand-drawn. They look like something my grandson would have drawn, and he is five. It's unbelievable," she said. "It is at a busy intersection that is not well lit. It's extremely dangerous and not acceptable."

Masland maintained that the DTIR should have followed through with the contractor to make sure the job was done correctly.

According to the MLA, she regularly receives complaints from constituents worried about the safety of the intersection and who describe near misses there. One night, she drove to the intersection in the rain to see the conditions for herself.

"I actually know that section of the road, so it would be easier for me to spot the arrows and such. But I couldn't see where I was supposed to be at all," said Masland. On December 28, a young woman contacted her, "begging me to do something about that section of the highway," said Masland.

"She was almost side-swiped with her two-year-old child in the backseat. At that point I was furious, and I contacted DTIR and said either you guys get these painted or you get me a can of reflective paint and a stencil and I will go paint it myself."

However, after months of talking and writing letters to the different levels of DTIR staff, it appears Masland may have gotten things moving toward a solution. She was advised that during the first week of January new, proper arrows would be painted on (weather dependent) and in the summer, thermoplastic arrows would be placed in that location.

Thermoplastic arrows are pre-cut. A small section of asphalt is cut out, then the arrows are placed on top with adhesive then bonded with heat. They have to be installed during warmer temperatures.

As for what took so long, Masland said that officials with DTIR would only say that it's been a busy season for them.

Steve Warburton, DTIR spokesperson, told LighthouseNOW in an email that the delay with the arrows was due to "contractor scheduling." And he added, "there are also road signs at the location and no concerns have been raised with the department."

Masland insisted the whole thing is ridiculous and more accountability is needed.

"It's a situation that never should have happened. Just think about if there was an accident there and someone was seriously injured or died. It should have been done long ago," said Masland. "If you are doing a job, you need to finish it and make sure it is done properly. They need to hold their contractors accountable," she said.

MILL VILLAGE BRIDGE

Meanwhile, Masland's battle on another front seemingly is sparking some action as well. Construction on the deck of the Mill Village bridge was finally scheduled to begin this week..

"It is my worst nightmare. I have been asking every level in the department for the replacement of the bridge deck for probably three years now. I'm sure everyone at the DTIR knows about the Mill Village bridge," said Masland. "It just seems to keep getting bumped. I've had people in Mill Village tell me they literally shut their eyes and hold on to the wheel tight when they cross the bridge."

Masland has been assured that the bridge has been safe to cross all along.

In an interview January 5, she said a crew was scheduled to begin work on the deck beginning January 11. The bridge will be closed and traffic will be detoured until May 31, according to a recent update from DTIR.

"This has been a battle as well. A battle I should not have to fight," said Masland.