A hazardous intersection dubbed the “Mexican standoff” in Bethania might soon have a solution.
Regarded one of the most dangerous intersections in town, traffic merges from a busy off ramp, where it meets three stop signs and confused motorists.
The community has come to know the spot as the “Mexican standoff” for the way drivers get to it, stop, and wait for those around them to make the first move.
Locals say this all-too familiar pattern is casting doubt in the minds of drivers, manifesting in too many close calls and prangs, so much so that they try to avoid the intersection at all costs.
Even when the intersection is free from traffic, drivers are known to edge cautiously over the lines or the opposite happens, and they race through without looking.
Drivers can also be seen pointing each way in confusion over the layout, which has stop signs at three of the entries.
“The number of close calls because people don’t seem to know the give way rule is absolutely ridiculous,” Station Rd resident Simon Dejong said.
“You’ve got people coming off the Logan River Road ramp, who have right of way over everyone, who are so scared to go through that they will stop because they are worried about someone coming straight through from the other way.”
A council spokesperson said work on a set of lights would start January, and likely be finished around February.
There would be lights, additional turning lanes and street lighting.
Another resident Jill Mollenhagen knows how to navigate the intersection but said she will avoid it whenever possible.
“I don’t go there in peak times; it’s really bad,” she said.
Local Valentyn Danylenko agrees. He said the intersection is a hotspot for prangs.
“You don’t have to stay here long to see something,” he said.
“My personal opinion is just blast it and rebuild new.”
Logan City Council did not answer a number of questions presented to Cr Tony Hall.
