'Racetrack' crossing too dangerous, Strathearn residents say

SouthsideEdmonton residentsliving near a marked crosswalk in theStrathearnneighbourhood are saying, "I told you so," after atruck struck an elderly woman Wednesday afternoon.

The84-year-old woman was crossing95thAvenue at92ndStreet during last night's rush hour.

"This intersection right here is like a racetrack especially closer to 4 o'clock," said Patricia Nelson who livesin the same seniors residence, Montgomery Place, as the victim.

Nelson knows the victim, in hospital instable condition,referring to her asa feisty and active great grandmother,able to get aroundwithout help.

Thesenior's residence is across the avenuefroma doctor's office,a pharmacy anda convenience store enticingseniors to cross the busy road while watching for the manyvehiclesthat seem toignorethe crosswalk.

"It's handy for us," Nelsonsaid. "There's nothing else around here."

The city transportation services department rejected the the call for more safety features at the intersection last year.

The neighbourhood's city councillor saidhe's livid.

"I'm upsetsomeone has to get hurt in order for hopefully to get some action on this," said Ben Henderson. "Because it wasn't lack of trying."

Residents say they'll keep pressing for safety improvements.

"These cars, you're half way ... they just fly by," said area resident John McKinley. "They don't stop for you."

Charges are pending against the driver.