The Semiahmoo Resort Association (SRA) board of directors has sent a letter to the city of Blaine requesting it add a guardrail to the curve on Drayton Harbor Road after a car crash there last month highlighted ongoing concerns about speeding.
In a May 1 letter, the board asked the city to put a guardrail on the westbound lane of Drayton Harbor Road where it curves before becoming Semiahmoo Drive. The SRA also asked that reflective chevron arrows be added at the beginning of and throughout the curve. Even with a ‘curve ahead’ sign that’s already installed, the turn is difficult to see as the area is not well lit and becomes slippery in winter weather as it’s fully shaded, the board wrote.
The SRA said Semiahmoo residents voiced concern about excessive speeding to the city last year, but despite efforts from the Blaine police and public works departments, the speeding continues. On April 20, a driver lost control while speeding on the curve and the vehicle landed just 50 feet from a home, highlighting the need for additional safety measures, the letter stated. The driver walked away with minor injuries while the car was considered a total loss.
In response, Blaine city manager Mike Harmon said the city does not plan to install a guardrail at the curve.
“That area where the incident happened is a very gentle curve in the road. The pavement is in good condition,” Harmon said. “There were other factors involved in that incident that caused the vehicle to leave the road.”
