(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

reducing speeds and crashes

Academic project succeeds in slowing motorists on Leduc stretch of QEII

Oct 26, 2019 | 4:00 PM

Leduc RCMP have concluded a five-year analysis of collisions which occur in the six kilometre corridor of the QEII highway from one end of that city to the other.

Analysis shows the collision rate was twice the provincial rate for similar four-lane highway segments.

“The analysis also collected speed sensor data, which showed more than 100,000 vehicles a year traveling in excess of 30 km/h over the posted speed limit and more than 16,000 vehicles a year traveling in excess of 50 km/h over the posted speed limit,” a release states.

“In addition to the high speeds, the safety of first responders was identified as an area of concern. Collisions with first responder vehicles while attending collision scenes had also occurred over the same five-year period.”

In response to those conditions, The City of Leduc, and local RCMP partnered with Alberta Transportation and the University of Alberta Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to find a way to reduce speeds and collisions.

Dec. 10

RDP holds pinning ceremony for graduating nursing students

5h ago

get in the car!

Maps for 2025 Red Deer Christmas Lights tour

7h ago

predictable taxation

Chamber calls Red Deer County's draft budget 'disciplined'

8h ago

“Additional resources, above the regular compliment for Leduc Detachment, were brought in to support operations of the project. A public information campaign was launched, which included signage installed along the safety corridor alerting the public of the increased enforcement in the area,” the release continues. “Media releases were published, and an educational pamphlet titled “Speed Impacts Us All” was distributed to accompany the enhanced enforcement.”

The project’s conclusion showed an average speed reduction of 8.8 km/h.

Though it is complete, enhanced enforcement will continue along the QEII corridor in question in an effort to maintain lower speeds and the subsequent safety benefits.