Strathmore streets becoming safer

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore’s Traffic Advisory Committee continues to work to make the town’s roads safer and more efficient.

During the town council meeting on Oct. 22, Councillor Bob Sobol, committee chair, delivered a report to council summarizing the recent developments in traffic management and safety in town.

A subcommittee was formed to look at the possibility of combining school and playground zones in town. However, as one of the school zones is located on Highway 817, a provincially maintained highway, the committee found combining them was not viable.

Alberta Transportation recently agreed to address the traffic lights located at the intersection of Highway 1 and George Freeman Trail after hearing the committee’s concerns about its safety. 

“In short order, the yellow light that proceeds the red light will be extended in life, making it hopefully a safer intersection,” said Sobol.

To ease traffic issues on Brent Blvd. near the curling rink, a no left turn sign was installed, which appears to be working “very well,” said Sobol. A deer crossing advisory sign was installed at George Freeman Trail, south of George Freeman School, following a request of the committee.

Alberta Transportation is also conducting a traffic study at the intersection of Highway 1 and Westmount Rd., at no cost to the town, following committee input. Another traffic study is being conducted on Archie Klaiber Trail, by the town’s enforcement and infrastructure departments, to determine if the street meets the criteria for reduced speeds, he said.

The committee is supportive of the town’s pedestrian flashing lights program, which provides for two new sets of lights to be installed each year, said Sobol. However, there is a long list of potential locations for new lights that are known to be safety concerns, he said. The committee thus supports increasing the number of these lights allowable under the budget, and as a result, Sobol said he would bring this issue to council during upcoming budget talks.

The committee is reviewing school bus route maps to determine proper criteria for crosswalks for school bus stops. Also, a summertime bicycle safety program was scheduled but was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, it will be considered for 2021.

The committee received the results of a survey regarding the installation of a traffic safety slogan along Wheatland Trail for one year. A large majority of respondents said they were aware of the sign, and most said that humour was more likely to influence them or to take notice of it, he said.

In addition to Sobol, the committee consists of three public members, including Golden Hills School Division’s transportation manager, a member of the RCMP, a member of Strathmore municipal enforcement and two town employees. The committee is looking for two additional public members, said Sobol. Interested parties can apply through the town’s website (strathmore.ca/en/town-hall/traffic-advisory.aspx).

Any citizens with concerns can complete a citizen communication form, available on the town’s website. Issues brought forward are reviewed by the town’s senior peace officer.