Petition urges immediate safety changes at notorious intersection between Guelph and Fergus

CTV’s Hannah Schmidt talks to a mother who wants to see changes at a Highway 6 intersection after she, and her two kids, were hurt in a crash.

A mother who was injured in a crash at a Guelph-Eramosa intersection is demanding immediate safety changes to protect other drivers.

Shawna Percy-Jurchuk lives near Highway 6 and Wellington Road 22, a busy road between Guelph and Fergus.

“We’ve been here less than two years, and it didn’t take us long to realize how notorious that specific intersection is,” she told CTV News.

On Dec. 18, Percy-Jurchuk and her two children were injured when a vehicle T-boned the family’s sedan.

“It’s been really hard,” she admitted. “I’m concussed. My kids are. Everybody’s injured. So, it’s going to be a bit of a recovery.”

History of collisions

Percy-Jurchuk has been keeping track of the collisions at the Highway 6/Wellington Road 22 intersection since she moved to the area two years ago.

On Dec. 25, just days after her own crash, there was another collision on that same stretch of road.

She also recalled a dangerous few days back in July.

“Within 24 hours, there were three collisions that happened at three separate times,” Percy-Jurchuk said.

CTV News has reached out to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to find out how many collisions have actually been reported at the intersection.

Percy-Jurchuk’s petition

Percy-Jurchuk is calling on the province to step up safety measures at the intersection.

She started an online petition demanding temporary improvements until a more permanent solution is in place.

“Some of the things that we’re calling for is lowering the speed going into the valley,” Percy-Jurchuk said. “The left-hand lane is used by people as a passing lane, but it’s also a left-turn lane. And it has no markings on the ground.”

So far, 5,500 signatures have been added to the petition.

“People are leaving comments about their experiences there, of near-misses and collisions and fatalities,” Percy-Jurchuk explained.

A long-term solution?

The MTO said a roundabout was the preferred long-term solution for the Highway 6/Wellington Road 22 intersection.

An environmental assessment, as well as the preliminary design, have already been completed.

“Construction is anticipated to begin later this year,” the MTO said in a statement to CTV News. “Property acquisition is currently underway, and utility relocations are expected to start in the coming months.”

Interim safety measures

Mike Schreiner, the Guelph MPP and Green Party Leader, said he recently raised the issue with the province.

“I have personal concerns because I go through that intersection a lot,” he told CTV News. “And also, obviously, I’ve had a number of constituents in the region reach out to me. It’s my understanding the Ministry of Transportation is going to be putting some safety measures in in the future, but I’m pushing them to look at some interim measures before they make changes.”

Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky said safety at the intersection is a priority due to the heavy traffic on Highway 6.

“My primary concern is the safety of the drivers, families and all road users who rely on this busy intersection. Highway 6 carries a significant volume of traffic, and there are ongoing concerns regarding driver awareness when navigating the intersection. This places a high priority on ensuring drivers are more aware and attentive when travelling through the intersection,” he said in an email to CTV News. “The Ministry of Transportation has identified a roundabout as the most appropriate long-term solution for this intersection. Ongoing advocacy on behalf of residents will continue, with community safety concerns being raised directly with the ministry as the project progresses, while interim measures remain in place to improve safety.”

According to Racinsky, construction on the roundabout is set to begin this spring.

The MTO insisted interim measures to improve driver awareness were also part of the plan.

“Installation of additional signage to increase driver awareness of the intersection is underway,” they said in an email. “Pavement markings for the northbound and southbound left turn lanes will be installed, and a speed study will be completed.”

CTV News also reached out to the MTO for more information on the roundabout’s approximate timeline, as well as the additional interim safety projects.

Community frustration

Percy-Jurchuk, while encouraged by the province’s acknowledgement of the issue, worries about the gap between the proposed safety plan and on-the-ground changes.

“There’s been no timelines and that’s not enough for me. I think people deserve more than that.”

She said the MTO confirmed additional preventative signage had been ordered for the passing lane on Highway 6 near her home, but no solid timeline has been shared.