BONNYVILLE - A motion to change the speed limit on Range Road 460 was defeated while a motion to implement a three-way stop in the area was approved by MD of Bonnyville council.
Due to concerns about safety on Range Road 460, especially for local residents and heavy trucks, a motion to reduce the speed limit was proposed by Coun. Don Slipchuck during the Nov. 14 council meeting. The current speed limits when leaving La Corey heading north are thought to be too high considering the number of people living along Range Road 460 and the amount of traffic, heard council.
Additionally, big trucks and commercial vehicles take longer to stop compared to smaller cars, especially at speeds above 50 km/hr.
The goal of the speed limit decrease was to improve safety by slowing down traffic in areas with a higher concentration of residents and heavy vehicles. The logic was that adjusting the speed limits would reduce the risk of accidents.
The resolution introduced a two-stage speed limit zone for vehicles entering and leaving the Hamlet of La Corey on Range Road 460. A 40 km/hr speed limit would apply for about two miles going north from Highway 55. After, it would increase to 70 km/hr for another mile north ending at Township 634A.
Finally, the speed limit would increase to the current posted limit of 100 km/hr. “There’s lot of heavy traffic on that road,” said Slipchuck.
Other councillors had differing opinions.
“If I was driving up there to work every day, I wouldn't be too happy if the speed was that low,” said Coun. Josh Crick.
Swigart mentioned the decreased speed limits might give the impression that people would be be ticketed often.
The motion to reduce the speed limit was defeated 2-5, with just councillors Slipchuck and Swigart voting in favour.
Slipchuk then proposed an amendment that would implement a three-way stop at the intersection of 49th street and 51st avenue in the Hamlet of La Corey, which was carried in a 4-3 vote. Councillors Slipchuk, Swigart, Fadeyiw, and Crick voted in favour, while Krywiak, Skarsen, and Kalinski voted against the motion.
