TERRASSE-VAUDREUIL, QC - A trio of accidents at the same train crossing over the course of a dozen years was enough to inspire Transport Quebec to push for three new traffic lights in a spot just west of Montreal island.
Construction on the lights is set to begin on Tuesday, even though many in the suburban community consider it overkill.
Some think the installation at the 3rd Ave. crossing, just off Highway 20, will actually make things more dangerous.
"It's human nature when somebody sees a yellow light, they're going to go quickly to get through," said Penny Boulianne, Terrasse-Vaudreuil councillor.
Councillors say the current drop-down barriers and stop signs are adequate, and in April voted 4 to 1 against installing traffic lights.
Others point out that an soon-to-be built overpass will make the million-dollar traffic light installation highly redundant.
The lights, paid for by Transport Canada, Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific, are not good value in the eyes of some.
"That's a waste of money," one resident told CTV Montreal. "They could put it somewhere more important than putting it here."
However at least one other mother disagrees. "My daughter goes to school in Terrasse-Vaudreuil so honestly I don't mind if they put more lights. I think it's a good thing," she said.
On Monday, councillors from Terrasse-Vaudreuil plan to protest at the intersection in one more attempt to stop the project.
