‘So far so good’: Stoplights installed in one of Elgin County’s most dangerous intersections

After more than 35 crashes in recent years, the intersection at Ron McNeil Line and Dalewood Road finally has stoplights.

After more than 35 crashes in recent years, the intersection at Ron McNeil Line and Dalewood Road in Central Elgin finally has stoplights.

That’s good news for neighbour Bob Rundle, who has seen dozens of crashes from his backyard. He was pressuring county council for years and finally got his wish to see intersection safety improvements.

“From what I have seen so far, cars have slowed down with the reduced speed limit and (vehicles) are stopping for the lights,” Rundle tells CTV News. “I’ve seen no one run the lights so far.”

In hopes of reducing the number of crashes at the intersection, the county reduced the speed limit from 80 km/h to 70 km/h in October.

Work on the stoplights was completed just prior to Christmas.

“It was timely right before the holidays to really got rolling,” said Grant Jones, warden of Elgin County. “I haven’t heard of any accidents since the lights got turned on.”

The stoplights are part of a $1.3 million safety initiative at the intersection.

Elgin County’s Committee of the Whole approved the project, which includes speed reductions in the area and the installation of turning lanes in the spring.

“Once the weather clears up a little bit, they’ll be putting the turning lanes to complete the project,” said Jones.

“That’ll be a lot safer than it is right now. That’ll just increase the ability for people to get through without being hit. It’s long overdue.”