This letter was addressed to Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming and shared with the Coast Reporter.
The Sunshine Coast Highway Society and many others have highlighted the undeniable need for a state of the art, safe highway located away from residential areas. Last Friday, March 11, a logging truck with a full load rolled over while making the turn from Gibsons Way onto North Road in Gibsons. Logs were strewn across the sidewalk (used by students attending the nearby Gibsons Elementary School), a bike lane and into the parking lot of the Gibsons Heritage Playhouse.
To say we are fortunate that no one was hurt is an understatement! Once again, this highlights the dangers of having a so-called highway through residential and commercial neighbourhoods. Logging trucks – in fact, any heavy industrial vehicles – have no place on our residential “Goat Trail.” They create horrendous noise and pollution for the adjacent homes and are absolutely frightening to travel behind or pass on our narrow little two-lane road.
Minister Fleming, when will you and your government take the Sunshine Coast’s infrastructure needs seriously?
We have had enough studies and patchwork upgrades, it is time for you and your Ministry to commit to having this highway built.
Robin Merriott, Sunshine Coast Highway Society
