Congestion on Highway 97 at 43 ave.

|While driving back from a trip to Armstrong we forgot and took Highway 97 and ran into the traffic congestion chronically associated with the highway's intersection with 43th ave. Most Vernonites know to avoid this pinch point at busy times. Since this one of the cities major traffic intersections it is busy most of the time.
I think that it not good for our city to have traffic backed up both north and south from these lights for blocks and blocks. Vehicles magazined in this way not only creates frustration but the lack of smooth flow in itself is a safety hazard. What can be done?
For years I have maintained (usually by ranting in my automobile) that this intersection needs a major redesign.While three approaches have right hand turn lanes they are to short to accommodate the numbers willing to use them. This deficiency contributes to the congestion.Traffic from North has no right hand turn lane at all at the junction creating traffic back up past the entrance to the shopping center. At busy times it is only by the good will of other motorists that one is able to enter or exit either to the right or to the left. Even their welcomed courtesy unintentionally contributes to the unsafe conditions.
We are about to elect a new city Council of which I would like to be a part. The term of office is four years. Surely four years would be long enough to petition Highways for the changes, design and completion of the project. As a Councillor I would champion such a project. Why? Because I believe that I am not the only one ranting in their car. Vote for Shawn Lee for Vernon City Council. Cheers