A death in October has brought attention to another killer site on the Trans-Canada Highway, also known in these parts as “The Highway of Death.”

The issue came to light following a motor vehicle accident in which a 79-year-old driver collided with an eastbound truck as he attempted to travel north across the highway at the intersection of 38 Street.

He died at the scene and his companion of many years was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Several years ago, officials with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure advised area residents they were acquiring land for an overpass/underpass to replace the intersection of the Trans-Canada and Hwy 97B – the scene of many accidents over time.

Instead, a much cheaper solution was chosen.

Highway 97B now merges with the Trans-Canada farther east – fine, apparently, if you are travelling in that direction.

It seems, however, that drivers heading from 97B downtown are using the service road on the south side of the Trans-Canada and crossing at the uncontrolled intersection at 38th.

This manoeuvre requires crossing two lanes of eastbound traffic where the speed limit was increased from 70 km/h to 90 when highway improvements were completed.

It seems strange that a ministry that forbids northbound vehicles from crossing the highway at 21st Street near the RCMP detachment – where the speed limit is 70 km/h – is willing to let drivers take their chances in a 90 km/h section just a few hundred metres along the road.

A ministry representative said the issue would definitely be discussed with the City of Salmon Arm at their next safety meeting with MOT.

We urge the ministry and members of the new council to mark this as a high priority. While it's encouraging to see plans moving ahead on the proposed underpass at 20th/21st Street, danger still lurks just up the highway.