The speed limits have changed on part of Highway #52 West in Steinbach. The Manitoba Highway Traffic Board held a hearing two weeks ago where it received a recommendation from Manitoba Infrastructure. Troy Warkentin, the city's Chief Administrative Officer, says the board notified the city of its ruling late last week and he told city council Tuesday night that the new signs have gone up very quickly.

"If you have driven on PTH #52 West within the last 24 hours or so, you may have noticed that there are temporary 70 kilometre per hour speed zone signs that have been erected just west of Lund Road to a point just west of the Industrial Road intersection."

It's expected permanent signs will go in once the ground is fully thawed. The speed there was formerly 80 KPH.

Mayor Chris Goertzen can't remember the board acting this quickly following a hearing.

"This is the quickest action we have ever seen from the Highway Traffic Board and we're very pleased to see the speed zone reduced in that area. We're concerned about safety, especially at the intersection of Highway #52 West and Industrial. To see that speed zone being reduced is great. And, to see the quick action of the Highways Department is also a good thing."

He notes the province will install traffic signals at the Highway #52-Industrial Road intersection later this year which will further improve safety.

The city had initially asked for a speed reduction there 16 months ago. It put in a second request earlier this year. Michelle Slotin, Secretary of the Highway Traffic Board, says it can take Manitoba Infrastructure 12-24 months to do research into these requests and come up with recommendations.