Expect to see some flashing speed indicators in the near future near the intersection of Clements Drive and Territorial Drive in North Battleford.
The goal will be to convince drivers on Territorial Drive to slow down as they are approaching the intersection – something that isn’t happening right now, according to correspondence that came forward at a meeting of city council Oct. 15.
A letter from a local resident pointed to ongoing issues with speeding. According to the letter, many vehicles passing through the intersection do not slow down to the posted speed limit of 50 km/h.
The speed limit is 80 km/h for much of Territorial Drive but is reduced to 50 km/h for the stretch of road approaching the Clements Drive intersection leading to 100th Street to make it easier to enter Territorial Drive from Clements Drive. There were also issues with vehicles running the red light at the location.
To address the concerns, council expressed support to enhance signage at the intersection by putting in a mobile flashing speed indicator at the location.
Director of Operations Stewart Schafer said they currently have the mobile unit in storage and it is used as a temporary measure. The city also has permanent flashing speed indicators in place in other locations, including on Highway 4 North, which costs $5,000 to install. In the end, the consensus was that adding the mobile unit at the Territorial-Clements intersection should be sufficient for now.
“We’re going to put it there and see if it makes a difference,” said Mayor Ryan Bater to reporters after the meeting.
Councillor Kelli Hawtin also noted this location was much like other areas of the city with similar problems, and that it was a matter of enforcement and strategically reminding people in those areas to follow the speed limit.
“It just comes down to reminding people in many areas,” said Hawtin.
