Vernon man says intersection of Bernie Road at the landfill is a dangerous one

Photo: Andy Rochon

Andy Rochon was not at all surprised to see an accident on 'Dump Hill.'

“I am up there all the time, and there are always close calls,” said Rochon who frequents the landfill with his job.

Birnie Road meets Highway 97 south of Vernon at the crest of a hill, making it challenging to pull out as vehicles are passing from both directions at highway speeds.

There have been several accidents at the intersection over the years, and Rochon is surprised there are not more.

The most recent accident happened Thursday about 11 a.m. when a red Ford truck collided with a large, flat-deck truck hauling boxes of apples.

The Ford sustained front-end damage while the flat deck had one of the rear dual wheels torn off.

It is not known is anyone was hurt in the accident.

“I see a lot of people trying to pull out with traffic flying up the hill, traffic flying down the hill,” he said, adding entering the highway is that much more difficult when drivers, like Rochon, are hauling a trailer.

“It's a dangerous intersection. People always complain about it.”

According to DriveBC, one southbound lane was closed and traffic was backed up towards Vernon.

Rochon said something needs to be done about the intersection before a more serious crash happens.