Dear Editor,
[Re: Driver killed in collision with dump truck, Langley Advance Times, June 8]
Following the recent tragic fatal accident on 16th Avenue between a stopped car and gravel truck, it brings to light that nothing is being done to make this connecting artery safer.
I have lived and operated a farm property on this “freeway” since the mid ‘80s, and have pretty much seen it all. Too many lives have been lost, not counting those that have suffered lifelong injuries in crashes.
There has been gravel trucks using this route from the time I moved here. What has changed is the amount of people now that need to commute on this route to jobs so they can own a home in the valley. The other change was when Surrey put 192nd Street through to 16th Avenue and developed, and is still developing the commercial warehouses on what was once ALR land. Now there is a an abundance of tractor trailers, adding to the trucking traffic load.
We can argue that yes, it has created more jobs. A few lights have been installed on 16th at key crossroads, but nothing has been done to create a truck route? The interchange added to 16th Avenue at Highway 99 has also increased traffic flow immensely.
The speed limit on 16th is 60 kp/h, with Campbell Valley being 50 kp/h. I see very few cars or trucks, if any, staying in this limit. If you do, you will be run over. It is a difficult area to police as there is not area to pull over in many places, which could lead to more crashes.
Take a drive down our country road from Bradner Road to the east to Highway 99 to the west. Count the brake marks on the roadway, especially at intersections.
Has anyone noticed all the new “trucking yards” that have popped up as well? Maybe somebody, the mayor perhaps, can enlighten me how dozens of trucks can be parked on ALR land? I believe the limit is two? Not only on 16th Avenue but on all the connecting streets for example, 208, 216, 224, only to state a few? Hearing jake brakes is the normal.
Farming here for many years, with large trucks coming and leaving my farm, at all times of the day and night, I have seen it all. Near misses with cars exceeding posted speed and coming close to planting themselves under the trailer of a truck. I worry for the safety, each time family or friends enter or leave my driveway.
Blind eyes. Pass the buck. Just what is going on and what is the plan? Or is there even one?
A designated truck route needs to be made. Not our rural farm roads!
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man that lost his life recently. My heart also goes out to our first responders as well.
Susanne Fauchon, South Langley
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