Lengthy red lights on 70 Street at Highway 12 continues to frustrate motorists and raise the ire of Stettler town council.
At its regular meeting last week, council decided to write a letter to Transportation Minister Ric McIver to urge staff to shorten the red lights north and south on 70 Street and to post “Local Traffic Only” signs on a service road where some drivers have long used as a bypass for a quick exit on the west side of town.
“We’ve had this discussion before,” said Acting Mayor Peter Simons, who chaired the meeting for Mayor Dick Richards.
Both requested last July, the town has hit a road block with Alberta Transportation.
“So far, it hasn’t been accepted,” chief administrative officer Rob Stoutenberg said.
Council members strongly agree that the timing is way off.
“It’s a safety issue,” said Coun. Leona Thorogood, who noted that she was involved in a collision at the intersection as a result of the light.
“The accident report indicated that the green light north and south is abnormally short,” she said.
Coun. Malcolm Fischer added that he empathizes with drivers who have to wait six to eight minutes.
Town staff also heard from local residents who suggested a sign to prevent speeding traffic.
“I had a conversation with the homeowner and he says the shortcutting and speeding on the service road continue to be a concern,” said Melissa Robbins, director of operational services, in a report to council. “He has witnessed multiple commercial vehicles using this road to get to the highway, instead of using the intersection of Highway 12 and 70 Street.”
Purchase asphalt roller
Town purchased a used asphalt roller for $60,000 from Goodtimes Equipment of Vulcan.
“We have already purchased it,” CAO Stoutenberg said.
Council was scheduled to approve the decision at a meeting which was cancelled because of a council family emergency.
As part of the town’s capital budget, council approved purchase of a compactor.
“The compactor can be used to complete road oiling projects and asphalt patches,” said Melissa Robbins, director of operational services.
“It could also compact trenches if we purchased a sheep’s foot drum for the unit.”
Council also authorized an additional $5,000 to cover shipping costs of $1,000 and a maintenance service.
Parking-lot cleanup out
With a new pressure-washing business in Stettler, the town will soon end its free service to clean parking lots of businesses.
Responding to a letter from the owner of the new business, council agreed to end its free service to businesses although continue for not-for-profit organizations.
Currently with 20 public parking lots, the town will notify the clients of the discontinued service.