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Request for speed drop near Greystones denied by county

County of Wetaskiwin hears request to drop RR#61 speed limit
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County of Wetaskiwin council denied request to reduce the speed limit inside the Greystones on the Lake subdivision from 50 km/hr to 30 km/hr at their Public Works council meeting Sept. 26.

The issue was brought to council by Director of Public Works Neil Powell, who noted in his report residents sent requests to the county hall.

“Administration received two separate requests regarding the speed rate and speed rate signage within Greystones on the Lake Subdivision, located at SE/SW 36-46-6 W5M, on the east side of Buck Lake. In 2018, there was a request to place 50km/hr signs at each road off of RGE RD 61 leading into the subdivision,” stated Powell in his report to council.

“Alberta First Call locates were conducted and staff were advised that there are high pressure gas lines that run east and west throughout the subdivision.

“Administration notes that the best placement for speed signs is at the subdivision entrance sign, which would encompass the entire subdivision. RGE RD 61 is a graveled surface that runs north south with all roads that branch off leading into the subdivision.

“County webmap has RGE RD RD 61 posted at 80 km/hr and all interior road posted at 50 km/hr.

“On August 16, 2019, Dean and Kathy Sadek forwarded correspondence to the County requesting that the speed limit in Greystones on the Lake subdivision be reduced from 50km/hr to 30 km/hr and that signage reflecting this be posted at the subdivision entrance sign.

“Brian Grove has also requested speed limit signs be posted on RGE RD 61 in Greystones on the Lake Subdivision.”

Powell noted that staff saw the speed reduction as acceptable. “Administration is of the opinion that the roads within Greystones on the Lake subdivision are not designed to support a speed limit of 50 km/hr and recommend a speed reduction to 30km/hr within this subdivision,” he stated.

Powell said his department has received lots of requests from residents for a speed reduction on Range Road #61.

Councilor Kathy Rooyakkers stated that RR#61 doesn’t have driveways on it, and dropping the limit from 80 km/hr would be forcing the traffic to move too slowly. She noted that RR#61 isn’t part of the subdivision.

Reeve Terry Van de Kraats agreed that 30 km/hr was too slow. “It’s just about crawling,” he said.

Even the proposal to lower speed limits within Greystones didn’t sit well with Rooyakkers. “This is a huge subdivision,” she said. “I think that’s way too slow.”

Councilor Josh Bishop suggested that perhaps more speed control by peace officers needs to be done in that area.

Councilors unanimously denied the request to lower speed limits.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca