Motorists are being asked to watch for slowdowns on Highway 17 for a few hours Friday afternoon as Serpent River First Nation plans to slow traffic between 1 and 3 p.m.
Serpent River Chief Elaine Johnston says residents have grown tired of seeing motorists disregard speed limits of 70 km/h on Highway 17 near the trading post, and it's time to send a message that the speeding needs to stop. Chief Johnson says there have been a few fatalities over the past 10 years as well as and hit and runs and near misses on the highway, including incidents involving young people. She says, unfortunately, some motorists just haven't gotten message on the speed limit.
The East Algoma OPP tells ElliotLakeToday that they will have two cruisers with lights activated on site, positioned 100 metres on the west and east sides of the demonstration area to ensure traffic slows down as it moves through the area Friday afternoon.
"Pylons will be used to make a safety zone in the centre of Highway 17 where volunteers will hand out informational pamphlets to motorists,” says OPP Constable Bev Gauthier.
"Adjacent shoulder areas of Highway 17 will have pylons and be designated as a supporter area. The Serpent River First Nation Fire truck and Public Works vehicles will also be assisting within the demonstration zone. Parking for supporters and the staging area will be at Serpent River Trading Post,” he explained.
The OPP reminds motorists travelling through the area to plan ahead, expect delays and be vigilant.