Speed Reduction Initiatives
Speed is both a primary and secondary cause of collisions. When combined with high speeds, collisions (such as rear-ends or red light running) can result in a much higher severity. Drivers typically select speeds based on the road design, and land use and roadway features, more so than posted speed limits.
Why are we introducing speed reduction initiatives?
Speed reduction initiatives are a strategy within the Transportation Safety Plan to help make Lethbridge streets safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Temporary curbs and speed feedback signs have been installed on selected roadways throughout the city. Locations were chosen based on reviews that consider community requests and traffic data analysis. These measures are not unique to Lethbridge, similar initiatives have been successful in other urban municipalities across Alberta.
The benefits of these installations include:
- Pedestrians: Slower vehicle speeds improve safety for people walking, especially near crosswalks, schools and parks.
- Cyclists: While the lanes may look narrower, the spacing has been carefully designed to accommodate cyclists while calming vehicle speeds.
- Drivers: Calmer traffic reduces the risk of collisions and near misses, creating a safer and more predictable driving environment.
How will these initiatives be measured?
The City will monitor speed and volume data before and after installation, and conduct observations of pedestrian, cyclist and driver behaviour. This information will be considered in refining the designs on a continuous basis. Calls to 311 and services request will also be evaluated to measure the effectiveness of these new initiatives.
To request traffic calming measures at a new location, call or chat online with 311. Community requests are reviewed by the Transportation department, with the analysis of traffic data at that location.
How much do these speed reduction initiatives cost?
These new measures offer a cost-effective and quickly deployable solution.
- Cost for temporary traffic calming curbs: depending on the number of curbs, $1,500 to $2,300 per installation, significantly lower than permanent measures costing $30,000–$100,000.
- Cost for digital feedback signs: approximately $3,500 - $4,000 per sign.
Depending on the success of the project, funding availability and other project priorities, these temporary curbs may be replaced with permanent curb extensions in the future.
Speed Feedback Signs
Speed Feedback Signs detect the speed of oncoming vehicles and display it in real time:
✅ If you're within the speed limit, the sign will display your speed alongside a smiley face or positive message, such as “Thank You.”
⚠️ If you're over the limit, the sign will, prompt “Slow Down”, “too fast”, accompanied by a frowning face.
These signs are effective in:
- Reducing vehicle speeds, especially in residential and school/playground zones.
- Encouraging long-term behavioral change through positive reinforcement.
- Making drivers more aware of their habits in real time.
Locations
- Canyon Blvd West (westbound and eastbound)
- Westbound Whoop-Up Drive off-ramp to northbound University Drive W.
- Eastbound Whoop-Up Drive off-ramp to southbound Scenic Drive S.
- Heritage Blvd W.
- Exhibition Way S.
- NEW 13 Street S (near 9 Avenue S)
- NEW Blackwolf Blvd N (near Lynx Road N)
- NEW Canyon Parkway W (near Canyon Estates Lane W)
- NEW 2 Avenue N (near 18 Street N)
- NEW Southgate Blvd S (near Fairmont Road S)
- NEW 23 Street N (near 23 Street N)
- NEW Sixmile Ridge S (near Six Mile Cove S)
- NEW Uplands Blvd N (near Erminedale Blvd N)
- NEW McMaster Blvd W (near Simon Fraser Blvd N)
- NEW 13 Street N (near 15 Street N)
- NEW 9 Ave S (near 19 Street S)
- NEW Lettice Perry (near Edith Emma Coe Road N)
- NEW 10 Avenue S (near 18 Street S)
- NEW 16 Ave S (near 17 Street S)
- NEW Riverstone Blvd W (near Rivergreen Rd W)
- NEW (May 23, 2025) Whoop-Up Drive (westbound and eastbound)
Temporary Traffic Calming Curbs
Traffic Calming Curbs (TC Curbs) are large, yellow concrete slabs which are placed on the road to provide temporary traffic calming. They are yellow and have plastic reflective posts or signs installed on them to increase their visibility to people driving. TC Curbs are designed to be the same height as other roadside curbs, so they don’t pose any significant danger if struck by a vehicle.
By visually and physically narrowing the roadway, these curbs prompt drivers to reduce their speed and pay closer attention to their surroundings.
Temporary traffic calming curbs use two or three curbs per corner, with no drainage issues or modifications needed and easy setup. Benefits of the temporary traffic calming curbs include:
- shortened pedestrian crossing distances,
- improved driver yielding and stopping compliance,
- and better visibility at intersections,
- no modifications to existing drainage infrastructure.
Locations
- Coalbanks Blvd W / Firelight Way W
- Highlands Blvd W / Angus Rd W
- Canyon Blvd W (mid-block crossing)
- Riverstone Blvd W (mid-block crossing)
- 6 Ave S / 25 St S
- 13 St S / 12 Ave S
- 13 St S / 8 Ave S
- Henderson Lake Blvd S / 12 Ave S
- 10 Ave S / 17 St S