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Survey finds strong desire for speed change on Parkview Drive

Aug 8, 2017 | 9:37 AM

 

Medicine Hat residents want the speed limit raised on a major route in Crescent Heights.

Back in late May, the City of Medicine Hat issued a survey asking residents their opinion for the speed limits along Parkview Drive Northeast. The survey was open until June 9.

A total of 2,423 filled out the survey, with 2,099 respondents in favour of a speed increase to the 50 kph section of the road.

Information on the city website indicates that city staff reviewed the posted speed limit, and found that the design of the road would meet it’s designed speed of 80 kph. However, the standard practice would be to set the limit 10 kph below for additional safety.

The staff also found that increasing the limit from 50 kph to 70 kph (between 11 Avenue Northeast and 20 Street Northeast) would not adversely impact the communities that border the route.

Increasing the limit south of 20 Street Northeast was not recommended, due to undivided sections of southbound, single lane traffic, and the lack of a multi-use trail that would give more space for cyclists.

The option of not changing the speed limit wasn’t recommended by city staff.

“Typically, the posted speed should be close to the design speed; otherwise it creates a condition that may encourage speeding and/or driver frustration,” reads the briefing note on the change.

“In addition, public opinion shows that an increase in the posted speed is favoured.”

The item will be before the Development and Infrastructure Committee tomorrow afternoon for first reading.