Speed limits in residential areas are going to drop.
On Monday (May 16), the City of Fort Saskatchewan will be changing some of its speed limits. Going forward, residential streets and other unmarked roads will drop to 40km/hr.
“As part of council’s support of Vision Zero, small adjustments to our city’s speed limits will make our roads safer and our neighbourhoods more livable,” said mayor Gale Katchur.
According to the city, the approximate survival chance of getting hit by a vehicle going 40 km/hr is 60 per cent, compared to 20 per cent for 50km/hr speeds. The slower speed also gives drivers more time to react and avoid collisions altogether.
The city also explained reducing these limits will have little impact on overall trip times. The new longest stretch of 40km/hr road in Fort Saskatchewan is about 1.5 km, and having the limit lowered will add about 30 seconds to the vehicle's driving time.
Certain collector roads, including Pineview Ring Road, Allard Way, and Greenfield Way, will also decrease to 40 km/hr.
Some speed limits are going up. Roads like 94 Street south of Southfort Drive and 99 Avenue between 101 Street and 90 Street will increase to 60km/hr. Highway 15 east of 119 Street is set to increase to 80 km/hr.
There will be a 30-day familiarisation period once the new speed limits are implemented.
A map of the changing speed limits can be found here.