By rdnewsNOW Staff

Keeping Everyone Safe

Town of Ponoka to implement traffic control plan for upcoming chuckwagon championships

Aug 28, 2021 | 2:46 PM

The Town of Ponoka, in cooperation with Alberta Transportation, is implementing a traffic control plan to help ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety during the Ponoka Stampede’s Wild West Chuckwagon Championship next week.

The following temporary traffic control measures will be in effect from Sept. 1-6:

1. A reduced traffic speed limit of 30 km/hr along Highway 53 – Beginning east of Highway 2A ending at 46 Street.

2. A reduced traffic speed limit of 50 km/hr along Highway 2A – Beginning south of 36 Avenue to the intersection of Highways 2A and 53.

3. A temporary four-way stop at Highway 53 and 50 Street – Advanced signage will notify motorists of the upcoming four-way stop on 50 Street and Highway 53, east and west of the stop signs. An access road to the Stampede will be open to traffic at that intersection, making it a four-way stop.

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4. Access to Highway 53 will be closed to traffic at 54 Street – 54 Street will remain open to local traffic and users of the Ponoka Arena; however, access to Highway 53 will be blocked to traffic at the south end of 54 Street.

5. RCMP will monitor and help direct pedestrian and vehicle traffic as needed – RCMP personnel will help direct pedestrian and vehicle traffic at a temporary pedestrian crossing on Highway 53 during peak traffic volume periods as needed to ensure public safety. The pedestrian crossing along Highway 53 will be clearly marked with signage and lighting.

Ponoka residents are encouraged to consider alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic flows during the Wild West Chuckwagon Championship.

Residents are encouraged to be mindful of temporary traffic controls and signage along Highway 53 and 50 Street and watch for pedestrians.

“With high volumes of traffic expected during this event, the Town is committed to helping ensure the safety of our residents and guests with these increased traffic control measures,” said Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett, in a press release.

As a way to celebrate the reopening of the community and the return of Stampede rodeo fans, the Town of Ponoka and Ponoka County are partnering to co-sponsor a free community supper for all ticket holders who attend the opening day of the Wild West Chuckwagon Championship on Sept. 2.

“The impact of having the Ponoka Stampede cancelled the past two years has been hard on our local businesses and community groups. The Stampede provides important economic benefits for many local businesses and fundraising opportunities for many of our community groups by attracting thousands of tourists to Ponoka each summer,” said Mayor Bonnett.

“Not having those tourists has been hard on our community, which is why the Town and County want to celebrate the return of major events like this and welcome people back. That’s why we’re hosting this free community supper – for rodeo fans who come from other places, and for local citizens who miss attending these events in our community,” shared Bonnett.