Residents along Bridlecrest Boulevard Southwest in Calgary are expressing concerns over repeated vehicle crashes in their neighborhood. The latest incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, when a truck crashed into a home, injuring three people. No one was inside the house at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by police.
Neighbours report that this is the seventh such incident in two-and-a-half years, and are calling on the city to implement additional safety measures at the intersection of Bridlecrest Boulevard and 162nd Avenue.
Criselda Yumen, who operates a day home across the street from the damaged house, has started a petition asking the city to add safety measures to the intersection, including possibly shutting down access from 162nd Avenue onto Bridlecrest Boulevard.
“The other night I wasn’t unable to sleep because I’m waiting for something to happen again,” said Yumen. “It’s scary. For the safety of my family and the children that I care for and my whole community as well.”
Ward 14 Coun. Dan McLean said he is aware of the issue and that speed along 162nd Avenue has been a problem since access was added from Stoney Trail.
“We’ve requested some mitigation, increased law enforcement, some more signage. It’s under review as it always is with any serious incident but we’re looking at all options,” said McLean.
The City of Calgary said closing access to Bridlecrest Boulevard from 162nd Avenue would be difficult, partly because of where the homes are situated. For now, neighbours like Jose Montes said they’re leaving 162nd Avenue off their walking routes.
“The corner up there? The death corner. It’s unbelievable,” said Montes of the intersection. “We avoid that street because so many accidents. People don’t respect the speed limit and they go crazy.”
The city said drivers should expect to see speed feedback signs installed in the near future, as well as increased education and enforcement by Calgary police.
