County of Wetaskiwin council was advised of a change to the speed limit on Hwy. #2A coming out of Maskwacis, during council’s regular meeting Aug. 7.
Councilors read a memo from county CAO Rod Hawken which noted, “On July 26th, 2018 a letter was received from the Government of Alberta Transportation regarding a proposed speed zone amendment for highway 2A, from north of Maskwacis to north of Highway 611, which was requested by the Ermineskin Cree Nation.
“The Red Deer Operation’s Section has reviewed and assessed the current posted speed limit on Highway 2A North of Maskwacis. As a result of the review and speed limit assessment, Alberta Transportation would like to add a transition speed zone on Highway 2A North of Maskwacis.
“The current speed limit of Highway 2A is 60 km/hr from kilometer 18.238 within quarter section of SE 30-44-24-W4 to kilometer 21.109 within quarter section of NE 32-44-24-W4 where the speed limit increases to 100 km/hr.
“Alberta Transportation proposes to add an 80 km/hr transition zone starting from kilometer 21.109 within quarter section NE 32-44-24-W4 to kilometer 22.183 within quarter section SW 4-45-24-W4 north of the intersection of Highway 2A and Highway 611.
“The proposed speed amendment would function so that a driver traveling northbound leaving Ermineskin Cree Nation on Highway 2A would encounter a speed increase from 60 km/hr to 80 km/hr starting from kilometer 21.1009 for approximately 1.074 km before transitioning to a 100 km/hr zone.
“The proposed speed limit will provide consistency for entering and exiting municipalities similar to other provincial highways, and increase safety for motorists at the intersection of two secondary highways.”
Hawken noted the information was sent to council to see if there were any concerns.
Both councilors Dale Woitt and Terry Van de Kraats stated they drive that stretch of Hwy. #2A quite regularly and saw no reason for the change.
Councilors accepted the memo for information.