The MLA for Morris says he is interested to know why a highway safety project east of Niverville has been delayed.

Shannon Martin is referring to the signal lights yet to be installed at the Highway 59 and 311 intersection. The project was announced in June after area residents and politicians lobbied the provincial government in winter for safety improvements there. Yet this week, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation (MIT) announced it could take until Christmas before work is done.

"The minister was very clear, and the NDP were very clear that the project was to be completed before the end of summer," says Martin, referring to a promise made by Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation on June 8. "Obviously that isn't going to happen and it leaves one to wonder whether or not the initial commitment was a bit off the cuff on part of the NDP or whether or not there's other circumstances that have resulted in the delay."

Martin stresses this intersection has created a lot of concern amongst area residents, Manitobans and even Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen. In fact, he says it is probably the most dangerous intersection in his riding.

"The lights, while offering a measure of safety to obviously a very dangerous intersection is still not the best solution to that intersection," notes Martin. "But again, something is better than nothing at this point."

Martin says an overpass or flyover would be the best case scenario for this intersection. Martin notes collisions there are often the result of a motorist choosing not to stop at the stop sign. He says if they don't stop for a sign, why would they stop for a light.

"The challenge that we always have with this kind of administration is they make commitments and then when the deadlines arrive and they haven't met their commitments well then they offer new deadlines and then we have to wait until those deadlines are met or not met," says Martin. "Obviously I'm cautiously optimistic that MIT is able to stick by this new time frame being offered, that the lights be up by Christmas and I guess that's very apropos that the lights would go on at Christmas. But I guess not surprisingly after sixteen years you have to take a real wait and see attitude with this government and its promises to Manitobans."

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