By TERRY PUGH
The City of Warman wants the provincial government to improve traffic safety at the city’s north end.
Warman City Council voted at its meeting on Monday, August 24 to send a letter to the Ministry of Highways formally requesting a speed reduction to 80 kilometers per hour on Highway 305 between the Highway 11 interchange and Thompson Road.
The letter also asks the Highways Ministry to improve lighting along Highway 305 between the Highway 11 interchange and Centennial Boulevard.
Currently, the posted speed limit on Highway 305 is 80 kilometers per hour from the Highway 11 interchange west to the edge of the Legends Golf Club, after which the speed limit increases to 100 kilometers per hour.
City officials say extending the 80 kilometer per hour speed zone west to Thompson Road would provide a lower and more consistent speed through the area.
City Council is also asking the Highways Ministry to install traffic lights at the intersection of Highway 305 and Centennial Boulevard.
This location has been the scene of several serious collisions over the past few years. While the intersection is lighted, there is a significant grade differential between the highway and Centennial Boulevard, which hampers drivers’ ability to see approaching traffic.
A report from city administration to the Warman City Council committee of the whole meeting on Monday, August 17 noted that the Ministry of Highways has identified traffic signals as a future improvement for the intersection. “However, a timeline for their installation has not yet been confirmed,” according to the report.
There is also a major intersection at Highway 305 and Glen Abbey Boulevard, which does not have any lights.
“Improved lighting would increase visibility along this increasingly travelled section of Highway 305, particularly during evening and winter conditions,” noted the administration report.