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West side traffic has North Battleford mayor concerned

Mar 17, 2016 | 7:19 AM

North Battleford’s mayor is concerned about traffic on the city’s western edge.

The topic came up in a report presented to city council on Monday, March 14, about a proposed residential subdivision in the RM of North Battleford. The proposed development of 12 residential acreages would be two kilometres from the city limits on the south side of Forest Hall Rd.

The report cited the possibility of more people using the Railway Ave. extension west of Territorial Drive. It’s only maintained as far as the MacMillan industrial park, and the report said the road is “not built to any design standard.”

“The development of these properties is not expected to generate enough traffic volume to have any major impact on this road,” the report said. “However, this is an identified existing problem that affects both municipalities and needs to be rectified moving forward as the RM continues to develop on City Fringe Lands.”

The road, according to the report, is mostly used by farmers and trucks hauling for Ilta Grain. But it also cited complaints about speeding and dumping of garbage.

“It’s only a secondary access (to the subdivision). We understand that and we have no concerns about that,” Mayor Ian Hamilton said in an interview. “We just want to make sure that we express concern with any increased traffic flows that are going that way, with any expectations of maintenance and improvements.”

Territorial Drive does not have a left turning lane for northbound traffic moving onto westbound Railway, and there is a railway crossing just before the intersection. Hamilton is concerned about safety there. But he expects the Transportation Master Plan now in development, will identify issues along Territorial, which serves as a bypass around three sides of the city.

“At least it will identify stress points, and things that we have to at least consider in future developments, and also how we can plan for cost-sharing with federal and provincial bodies of government well into the future,” Hamilton said.

According to the report, the city is also working with Ilta Grain regarding the Railway Ave. extension, and there have been positive discussions involving the city and RM about development along the city’s fringe.

 

gsmith@jpbg.ca
Twitter: @smithco