Provincial government converts Brandon intersection to all-way stop after fatal crash

A map shows the location of Highway 110 and Richmond Avenue East in Brandon, Man. (CTV News Winnipeg)

The Manitoba government has converted a Brandon intersection to an all-way stop and announced additional safety measures following a fatal collision there last month.

The province says the change applies at Provincial Trunk Highway 110 and Richmond Avenue, where a crash on May 27 claimed the life of a 49-year-old woman.

The all-way stop, which took effect Tuesday, is an interim measure ahead of full traffic signal activation. A review concluded that traffic signals interconnected with the adjacent railway crossing would improve safety at the site, the province said in a Tuesday news release.

The province said traffic signals are in flashing red mode in all directions until full operation begins, which is expected sometime this summer pending completion of rail interconnection work.

The province is also reducing approach speeds on all legs of the intersection to 70 km/h, installing and enhancing rumble strips, and closing parallel turning lanes.

Suspect charged after fatal crash

The Brandon Police Service allege that on May 27, a 35-year-old male driver of a northbound semi-truck failed to stop at a stop sign, entered the intersection, and struck a westbound SUV.

The force of the crash caused both vehicles to hit another semi that was stopped at the intersection, police said.

The driver of the SUV, the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The drivers of both semis did not appear to suffer significant injuries, police said.

The 35-year-old semi driver has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and was taken into custody. The charge has not been proven in court.

The province is reminding motorists to obey all traffic controls, reduce speed, and remain attentive at intersections.