When is $543 million for roadwork not enough?
A drop in the bucket compared to what Vaudreuil-Solanges actually needs
Off-Islanders could, or should, view recent announcements in regard to provincial government investments in local roads and road networks as a snub.
Despite some $543 million in funds being destined for the Montérégie region, plans do not include desired, needed, and requested improvements to Highway 20 along its corridor here.
You may recall that local municipal officials have been requesting that sections of the highway be widened in sections to allow easement for burgeoning traffic volume and to allow for better access and exiting options for towns along its length. Previous requests by elected town officials and citizens have been considered and studied, but essentially ignored in this latest round of planned fund delivery.
Soulanges MNA Lucie Charlebois and Vaudreuil MNA MarieClaude Nichols found themselves in an awkward position during the announcement of the regional investments for 2017-2019.
In terms of investments destined for Highway 20, the region’s deputies admitted that “no new monies would be committed or foreseen” and that “honestly, 80 per cent of the transport budget is already committed and spent to ongoing maintenance of the current road network.”
Local mayors are reportedly disappointed by the announcements, and rightfully so. They have been responding to the needs and requests of citizens that demand improvements, after all. While the $543 million to be spent appears to be a significant investment in our roads here, the sum is a drop in the bucket as to what is actually needed given the current state of our roads, our bridges, and the large size of the network across the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region.
An insufficient amount of dedicated funds, an early and continuing impending pothole season, and the urgent and immediate need for pavement and resurfacing repairs on most areas of the Off-Island only exacerbate frustration levels for most drivers and residents.
Financial snubbing by our current Quebec Liberal government in terms of possible solutions to these worrisome road problems serve not to soothe, nor ease, but only serve to frustrate further. It’s time to open up the coffers to improve the Vaudreuil-Soulanges road network, including listing Highway 20 as a priority.
What arterial roads are in immediate need of improvement and or repairs in your area?
Is enough roadwork being done to accommodate for increased traffic on our roads as local populations grow substantially, and as new residential communities are built on our territory? Can the current road network keep up with demand? What about our bridges to and from the OffIsland? What’s your opinion of their current condition? Can and will they bear the weight and volume now, and for the future?
What about areas where roadwork never seems to end, year after year, despite promises for completion?