Driving south from Calgary on Highway 2 leads to a gradual reduction in speed limits, starting from 110 kilometers per hour and decreasing to 70, 50, and finally 30 within a temporary school zone in Nanton, Alberta. This unique section spans a few kilometers as the highway cuts through the town, dividing it effectively. While this setup suits the residents well, ensuring compliance with speed limits is crucial due to concerns about speeding and drivers navigating incorrectly, particularly with the highway dividing into two directions.
Mayor Jennifer Handley of Nanton estimates at least one driver going the wrong way daily, with some blame directed at confused drivers from British Columbia. The town also contends with the noise generated by heavy trucks passing through, using engine retarder brakes as they navigate through town. In neighboring Claresholm, a resident expressed concerns to the council about the disruptive noise from these trucks and traffic flow affecting their sleep and overall quality of life.
Fort Macleod finds itself at the crossroads of two highways, with plans underway for Highway 3 to potentially bypass the town in the future. CBC News has been engaging with various small towns in Alberta, discussing local successes and challenges, with highways being a recurring topic due to their economic benefits for businesses and tourism, alongside associated safety issues.
Nanton employs a single peace officer dedicated to enforcing traffic regulations, described by Handley as diligent in catching speeders. Claresholm has recently hired its own peace officer to address speeding concerns, with the town boasting the only traffic light on Highway 2 up to Edmonton. Discussions are ongoing in Nanton regarding the potential installation of a traffic light near the candy shop, as supported by a previous feasibility study.
Neil Smith, Nanton’s chief administrative officer, emphasizes the necessity of a traffic light due to the increasing pedestrian activity and speeding issues in the town. Approval for this initiative rests with the province, with a summer study likely to assess the proposal’s viability based on seasonal traffic patterns. Concerns persist among residents about potential hazards, such as hazmat spills and damage to local landmarks like cenotaphs, highlighting the need for safety measures on these busy highways.