ST. MARY’S — Sonora resident Bobby Robinson is seeking support from local residents and visitors in his endeavour to have the provincial government address what he says is a dangerous piece of roadway on Hwy 7 at Cochrane Hill, approximately 15 kilometres outside of Sherbrooke.
Noting that multiple accidents have occurred in that area over the years, resulting in both serious injuries and fatalities, Robinson knows first-hand the dangers of that piece of roadway. On Jan. 13, 2023, he and Sandra, his wife of 55 years, were involved in a tragic accident along that stretch.
“We were coming home from Antigonish,” Robinson said, recalling that, by the time they reached that spot “it was very cold and the roads were becoming icy and slippery.” As the couple was nearing the bottom of the downward curve of the road, another vehicle coming from the opposite direction “came sliding down the hill,” and right into their car.
Robinson and Sandra were transported to hospital and, while he suffered multiple critical injuries, including broken ribs, a broken pelvis, several broken bones and damaged nerves in his hand, his wife tragically passed away in the hospital three days later. He remained in the hospital for four months recovering and was unable to attend his wife’s funeral.
In an interview with The Journal, Robinson explained that he has composed a letter to be sent to Nova Scotia’s Minister of Public Works, Fred Tilley, requesting the province take action regarding the stretch of highway, which is well-travelled as it is a part of a vital transportation link for residents, businesses and tourists. The letter will be accompanied by a petition that to date has garnered more than 400 signatures, and he is hopeful that still more people will sign it before it is sent to the minister.
In the letter, Robinson asks that a comprehensive safety audit be conducted to access the design and conditions of the curve to identify specific risks and appropriate solutions; for road design improvements to be implemented and consideration be given to realigning the curve and widening the roadway, or for adding banking to make it safer for all types of vehicles; to enhance signage and warnings; to repair and improve the current barriers and guardrails and to improve road surface conditions.
“That spot has been known as a hazard for a long time; there have been too many accidents there,” Robinson said, adding that risk factors – such as limited visibility, poor road conditions, inclement weather conditions and the lack of adequate safety measures – make it even worse when added to the already dangerous curve and steepness of the road.
The petition will be available for signing until Tuesday, April 15 at the following locations: Bud’s Quick Way Convenience, High-Crest Sherbrooke nursing home and the Sherbrooke Garage in Sherbrooke; Branch 86 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Liscomb; Tony’s Corner Convenience located on Trunk 7 at the turn-off to Goshen; and at Whitney’s Convenience in Port Bickerton.
