Winnipeg intersection with 158 collisions since 2021 lacks safety changes due to lower priority ranking
Residents Seek Safety Changes at St. James Intersection
Residents and workers near a St. James intersection are urging the city to improve safety. This area has seen many collisions in recent years.
Since 2021, there have been 158 collisions at Ness Avenue and Ferry Road, according to statistics from Manitoba Public Insurance.
Concerns from Local Business Owners
Doug Nachbauer, manager of T-Mac Auto Services at the southeast corner of the intersection, has witnessed several collisions. He noted that the city has had to repair the traffic-light pole seven or eight times since September.
“There have been four accidents since the day before Christmas,” Nachbauer said. “A young child had to go to the hospital in rough shape. If that child’s car seat hadn’t been in the middle of the back seat, they wouldn’t be alive today.”
He believes a dedicated left-turn signal for westbound Ness and a reduced speed limit from 60 km/h to 50 would help improve safety.
Community Opinions on Traffic Safety
Katrina Robertson, a nearby resident, agrees that another traffic turn signal would be beneficial. “People need to slow down,” she said. She also suggested that cameras might make drivers more aware.
Kevin Ramberran, co-owner of St. James Burger and Chip Co., shared videos of three collisions on social media. He expressed concern for pedestrian safety at the intersection.
“The city says there are other intersections with higher rates of incidents,” Ramberran said. “If true, they need to address those first.”
Manitoba Public Insurance Comments
Tara Seel, a spokeswoman for MPI, advised motorists to slow down and use turn signals. “Be prepared for the unexpected,” she said. “Ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.”
Careless driving caused 41 of the 158 collisions since 2021. Following too closely was the second-most frequent cause with 32 incidents, followed by improper lane changes (15) and improper turns (14).
Collision Statistics
| Cause of Collision | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Careless Driving | 41 |
| Following Too Close | 32 |
| Improper Lane Changes | 15 |
| Improper Turns | 14 |
City’s Response
City spokesman Adam Campbell stated that crews have repaired seven traffic-signal poles damaged by collisions in the past year. Repairs typically cost between $5,000 and $10,000, more if underground work is needed.
Campbell mentioned that the city recovers about 70 percent of these costs through insurance claims. He also noted that the city reviews all intersections for safety risks.
“While we acknowledge there have been recent incidents at this intersection, it is not one of the highest-rated locations for collisions,” Campbell said. “For that reason, we are not currently studying a redesign.”
He urged motorists to keep safety in mind while driving this winter.
