Signs but no speed zone for Namaka

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Concerns from county residents regarding speeding traffic near the Hamlet of Namaka were brought forward by County Coun. Rex Harwood at the July 19 Wheatland County council meeting.
“I had asked about installing speed bumps in Namaka, but was informed by staff that because that road was cold mix asphalt that the road wouldn’t be able to hold them in place properly,” said Harwood. “I met with staff in Namaka to have a look at the situation and I asked them to come back with a recommendation.”
According to Wheatland County general manager of transportation and infrastructure Dave Churchill, County peace officers took a look at the situation.
“Officers were concerned about public perception, that we were setting up a speed trap to generate money,” he said. “This is not a money generating issue. It is a safety issue.”
Churchill brought up the issue of children playing, dog walkers, pedestrians and bicyclists using the road.
Coun. Ben Armstrong said it is up to people utilizing major roadways to be aware of their surroundings and they travel at their own risk.
It was discussed that yield signs at the intersections of the north-south RR 243 and Cheadle and Namaka Drive could be swapped for stop signs. It was felt this would slow traffic coming down the hill, as vehicles would have to brake to stop.
“A stop sign should be better than speed bumps, because they have to slow down and stop. This is the immediate solution; if we need to do more we will. I just hope people slow down in Namaka and we will be monitoring the intersection,” said Harwood.
The motion for stop signs was approved, but a motion for a speed limit reduction was defeated.