Winnipeggers call for speed limit to be lowered on new transit route

New transit network sparks motion to lower speed limit on Winnipeg roadway

A motion before a Winnipeg city committee calls for the speed limit to be lowered on a busy roadway to lessen the impact of added bus traffic in the area.

The motion was submitted by Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre), and calls for the speed limit on Arlington Street between Portage and Wolseley avenues to be lowered from 50 km/h to 30.

The stretch is now part of Winnipeg’s revamped transit network that rolled out last summer.

Wolseley residents called for the city to pump the brakes on the new network before it was even approved, saying adding transit to the existing greenway on Wolseley Avenue would create traffic congestion and hamper active transportation.

According to the motion, residents now say the added buses are travelling at speeds higher than previously experienced in the area, adding noise and vibrations that are constantly shaking nearby homes.

The motion argues the change would improve safety, livability and consistency with the nearby greenway on Wolseley Avenue, which already has a posted speed limit of 30 km/h.

The motion is set to be considered by the city centre community committee at a Sept. 29 meeting.