BC: No changes needed at accident-prone Nelson intersection

An intersection in Nelson is not classified as a collision risk by the Ministry of Transport, even though most accidents in the city have occurred here since 2019.

New ICBC data shows that there were 10 crashes at the intersection of Government Road, Granite Road and Highway 3A/6 in 2023 and a total of 62 between 2019 and 2023. The location at Nelson’s western entrance also has the most casualties, which ICBC defines as personal injuries or deaths, with 22 since 2019.

The most recent accident at this intersection occurred on July 16, when a driver was seriously injured after his car collided with a dump truck.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure told the Nelson Star that traffic volumes, accident and severity rates did not indicate that the intersection had any deficiencies that contributed to accidents.

“The speed limit at this location is 60 km/h and there are channelled turning bays, lighting, signage and a flashing junction warning light to help motorists navigate the junction safely.”

The ministry also said it believes the recent installation of traffic lights at the nearby Baker Street and Highway 6 intersection will reduce the number of drivers turning off the highway onto Government Road rather than continuing on the highway to Nelson. This in turn “should help reduce conflict at the intersection.”

Most intersection accidents in 2023 occurred at the Front Street/Hall Street intersection with a total of twelve accidents. This intersection has the second highest number of accidents since 2019 with 41.

Other notable intersections in 2023 include eight crashes each at Vernon Street and Ward Street, and at the foot of Baker Street where Highway 3A meets Vernon Street.

The intersections with the most casualties in 2023 were Vernon and Ward and the Hall Mines Road exit, each with five accidents.

When we asked Mayor Janice Morrison for comment, she said she was not yet aware of the accident statistics for Government Road, Granite Road and Highway 3A/6, but would discuss it with the ministry.