No speed bumps to slow traffic on Athabasca Street East, Moose Jaw says

MOOSE JAW — Some residents may be concerned about speeding along Athabasca Street East, but city hall says it will not install speed bumps since they would negatively affect daily service operations.

Coun. Carla Delaurier inquired during the June 9 regular meeting about whether city hall could install speed-reducing devices along that stretch of road because residents had contacted her with concerns about an increase in lead-footed motorists.

During the July 14 regular meeting, city administration said in a report that the City of Moose Jaw follows the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (MUTCDC) for guidance when assessing whether to introduce traffic-calming measures.

According to the MUTCDC, speed bumps are not recommended for collector or arterial roads, such as Athabasca Street East, due to their effect on emergency response times, snow removal operations and potential for vehicle damage.

Furthermore, the MUTCDC says that “vertical deflection devices” such as speed bumps are typically used for low-speed, low-volume neighbourhood roads.

Conversely, the report said Athabasca Street East serves as an important east-west connector and carries higher-traffic volumes, as data from the Turning Movement Count at the intersection of Fifth Avenue Northeast and Athabasca Street East confirmed.

“The city has previously implemented a stop sign at the Langdon Crescent merge into Athabasca Street, which served as a passive traffic-calming measure by requiring full stops and reducing vehicle speeds at that intersection,” the report added.

During the July meeting, Delaurier said administration’s response “does make perfect sense” since Athabasca Street East is a main road artery. Continuing, she said she appreciated how directors reviewed the situation, while she planned to inform the residents who contacted her about this about why the city will not install speed bumps.

The next regular council meeting is Monday, July 28.