The community of Balgonie is banding together for change. They say there have been too many deaths at the intersection of Highway #1 and Highway #46, including 16-year-old Michael Lechner.
Now, Michael’s mother Michelle is rallying her neighbours in protest. She says her son’s life was tragically cut short just weeks before his 17th birthday. “He had some much energy and he would just fill the room with energy when he came in."
On December 9, 2008 Michael was turning west onto Highway #1 from Highway #46 near Balgonie when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. And since the fatal accident, the family has set their sights on a safer intersection.
“We need to have something done and it should have been done last year, it should have been done before then. I don't understand why it's taking so long,” says Michelle.
And more recently, a 40-year-old man also lost his life at the intersection, pushing the community to the limit.
A small group gathered at the intersection Saturday morning to hold a stand-off in an effort to see the intersection become safer.
The Ministry of Highways and Infastructure conducted a planning study in 2010 for that stretch of roadway, and recommended improving lighting and building a westbound, right-turn ramp. But that was almost two years ago.
Michael’s sister Stephanie was at the protest Saturday. “Something needs to be done, and done soon.”
The group plans on continuing to hold a protest on a regular basis, in hopes that their concerns will be heard and no more lives will be cut tragically short at this corner.
