The city will consider reducing the speed limit to 50 kph on Hespeler Street

A concerned mom has asked Steinbach city council to review safety on Hespeler Street in the vicinity of Ashford Lane. In a letter, Colleen Neufeld expresses worry about children crossing the street to and from school as the neighbourhood continues to grow.

Mayor Chris Goertzen agrees she has a good point. He says, "Hespeler Street is going to become busier and busier as the new school starts to be utilized as well as the many new housing units and multi-family (units) that are in that area. The traffic will get more intense and we need to make sure that that's safe area."

City council asked the administration to examine several measures to improve safety. Councillor Michael Zwaagstra explains, "We're looking at applying to the Manitoba Highway Traffic Board to reduce the speed limit along this section from 60 kph to 50 kph. We're also looking to redouble our efforts in convincing the province to put in lights specifically at Main and Mckenzie/Hespeler and also looking at the idea of additional lighting in the Ashford/Hespeler area as well." Mayor Goertzen noted the city may want to consider 4-way stops at intersections like Ashford and Barkman.

Deputy mayor Jac Siemens says the new walking/cycling path that connects the Deerfield neighbourhood to Hespeler comes out opposite Evergreen Avenue and safety will be an issue there as well so something needs to be done.

City council hopes to have several measures in place before the new middle school opens next fall.