Speed reduction near Wheatland Crossing school

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

An 80 km reduced speed limit for Hwy 561, adjacent to the Wheatland Crossing School, is being requested by Golden Hills School Division.
They asked for a supporting letter from Wheatland County council on Dec. 13.
“I know the public has been pressuring for it and I understand the public’s concern,” said Coun. Ben Armstrong. “Alberta Transportation did their study and said there was no problem with the existing speed limit.”
Coun. Don Vander Velde commented on the 30 km speed zone by the school in Chestermere. He said that people have adapted to it and it is better than dealing with a possible accident. Others said this was different as it wasn’t inside an urban area.
Council did debate this issue earlier in 2016 and felt that information did not support a speed reduction. There was some concern that a slower speed might cause traffic backup.
However, Coun. Berniece Bland suggested whether there may be a need in the future to look at the intersection with consideration for vehicles entering and exiting the school. Council directed that staff discuss the issue with Alberta Transportation.
“That road has had issues for about 20 years. The government wanted to put shoulders on the road and widen it. This may be a good opportunity to discuss realigning the road and widening it because of the traffic,” said Coun. Alice Booth.
Council agreed to supply a letter of support for the speed reduction.
“Our ratepayers have asked something be done there,” said Reeve Glenn Koester. “For me, I can support this.”