After 18 years on the job, flagger Diane Herback is stunned by the treatment she has been getting lately.

No, she hasn’t been given the one-fingered salute or had a horn honked at her in frustration. She was given cookies, and muffins, and beef stew in puff pastries, and chicken quesadilla, and hot chocolate.

Herback has been flagging in Maple Ridge for the past two weeks where a 30-inch water main is being installed along 120A Avenue and 201B Street to Dewdney Trunk Road.

“We are in shock, such kindness, you have no idea,” related Herback, who is team leader of a group of three women who flag for B.C. Road Safe.

“It is difficult for them. All these people’s driveways are compromised yet they are so patient about it,” she said, adding that the residents are parking on another street, and others who are not blocked are letting those whose houses are blocked park in their driveways.

“From what we go through in a day usually, Maple Ridge people could teach some of the public some respect for flaggers,” Herback said.

Flagger Bernie Watts is new to flagging but she said she has taken her fair share of abuse.

“I’ve had my share of bad experiences, but these guys really inspire me,” explained Watts.

“When you get talked down to it can be really disheartening, so this restores my faith in humanity,” Watts added.

Sandee Collinge is one of the neighbours who has been bringing treats out Herback, Watts, and Cindy Vesper, as well as the employees of Pedre Contractors, who are installing the water main.

“The noise has been bad and my shower doors fell of the walls, but I’ve been feeding them and bringing out hot chocolate,” said Collinge, who is the third resident to offer the use of a restroom.

Metro Vancouver spokesperson Glenn Bohn said the intersection is expected to return to normal by the end of next week.

But Herback and her team won’t soon forget how good they had it at this location.