It's been a point of frustration for many ever since the changes were implemented but residents can now look forward to things returning to normal.
On Monday Yorkton city council members voted in favor of changing up the speed limits once again along Highway #9 through the city and this time rather than slow traffic down, speed limits will be upped.
"City council approved speed zone changes along Highway #9 in 2011," said Gord Shaw from the Planning and Engineering Department Monday. "Since that time there has been considerable discussion about this change and a desire to restore the speed along this corridor." The matter was presented to the Protective Services Committee as well as the Planning and Infrastructure Commission in 2012. Both agreed speed limits should be increased and a recommendation was made.
"Highway #9 has relatively few curves between Queen Street and Grain Millers Drive. Its geometric design allows for a higher speed through the community. It is important to note however, that between King Street to north of the entry/egress points to the Parkland Mall and Yorkton station, there are multiple approaches to this roadway," says Shaw.
"As such, speed in this area should be reduced due to the number of perceived hazards... Further south and north of these points, highway speed can be increased due to the limited number of perceived hazards."
In the end it was decided from Queen Street south of the city the speed limit will be increased from 50 kilometers to 70 and then 80, gradually changing to 100. From York Road north, the speed will go from 70 kilometers, to 80 and then 100. The stretch passing by Walmart will change to 60.
As the corridor develops in the future council will look at putting in street lights to maintain proper traffic flow.
Just one councillor was opposed to the vote. Randy Goulden says if changes are to be made within the city on Highway #9, council should also look at making changes along Highway #10 at the same time. Several months back the speed limit was also been changed, causing complaints and review.
