Warman mayor says deadly intersection on Highway 11 needs changes

The mayor of Warman says something needs to change at a notorious intersection just outside Saskatoon.

Three people were killed in a two-car crash early Sunday morning at the intersection of Highway 11 and Wanuskewin Road.

A 33-year-old woman, a 34-year-old man, a two-year-old boy, and a five-year-old girl were all killed after their westbound car was hit by an SUV attempting to cross the highway on Wanuskewin Road. A 49-year-old woman has been charged.

• Saskatoon woman, 49, charged after Hwy. 11 crash leaves 3 dead
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"I think that a lot of people who travel that intersection have had concerns about it for a long time," said Mayor Sheryl Spence. "It's an intersection that is very busy. There's a lot of traffic that goes through it."

It could very easily have been me or a family member or someone that I know that ends up in a serious situation there.- Mayor of Warman Sheryl Spence

The busy intersection has been the scene of many car accidents over several years, some of them fatal.

The intersection, which has no traffic lights, can be treacherous as drivers cross the highway into and out of Saskatoon.

"For myself, I know that's an intersection where you need to take your time," said Spence. "I use that intersection all the time. So, I think it could very easily have been me or a family member or someone that I know that ends up in a serious situation there."

The intersection is outside the city of Saskatoon and under provincial jurisdiction. Spence believes traffic leaving the area on Wanuskewin Road should be restricted to right turns only, minimizing the traffic crossing the highway.

"I do know that causes some inconvenience for some people in that area, but there are some side roads and back roads that could get you on to Highway 11," she said. 

Spence isn't sure traffic lights are the answer, however.

"I think that would be something the Ministry of Highways would have to consider," she said. "I think they would have to look at all the options and consider the one that would be best for everyone using the intersection.

In August, the Ministry of Highways added traffic lights to another dangerous intersection in the Saskatoon area, at the corner of Highway 16 and Marquis Drive.

Catherine McKay, 49, was treated in hospital and then remanded into custody. She will appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court at 10 a.m. CST this morning.