In the far southwest of Lloydminster, near the Costco development, Drivers are divided.
Lloydminster recently lowered the speed limit along 12 Street and 75 Avenue from 80 to 60 km/h on the city’s southwest edge.
The city announced the change this week, after making the decision during the most recent council meeting. They cite growth in the area, more traffic and a need to align with provincial and municipal standards.
However, construction is still underway and temporary 30 km/h construction speeds remain in place where posted.
On The Border Pulse social media accounts, readers were quick to weigh in, with comments ranging from relief to frustration.
Safety supporters welcome slower speeds
Several residents said the lower limit makes sense as new neighbourhoods and turnoffs continue to fill in around the route.
“Should have been slowed down a long time ago with all the turn offs into the housing areas,” wrote Richard Moser. “I’m actually surprised Lloydminster did something right.”
Others focused on driver behaviour.
“No harm in that… slows down the idiot drivers,” wrote Ernie Harvey, who added that some motorists only pay attention to limits once they are ticketed.
Another commenter said it was “way too pre mature to reduce speed at this time,” but still agreed more attention to safety is needed as development continues.
Others worry about congestion and truck traffic
For many commuters, the change feels like losing one of the few quick ways to skirt city traffic.
“RIP the fast way out of town, you will be missed,” wrote Wyatt Richardson.
“This was a viable route for people to get around city limits in a timely fashion, especially during a lunch break,” added Lisa Bertelsen. She argued the move will likely push more vehicles back onto already busy city streets, saying a noon-hour commute could become “near impossible.”
Some questioned where trucks will go if they can no longer move as efficiently on 12 Street and 75 Avenue.
“Soooooooo, where’s the truck route now? They only allowed to go north?” asked Kaitlyn Jans.
Others were blunt in their dislike of the change, calling it “a bunch of bull” and saying the city already “has the slowest moving” traffic in Canada.
Planning questions and construction
The reductions come as major construction continues in the area, including a new commercial development many residents expect will include a Costco.
“I know why they lowering the speed limit … just so u can see that Costco is actually being built,” joked one commenter.
Another worried the city will use traffic lights to slow drivers even more.
“I’m sure they’ll only add in 5 sets of lights to slow it down as much as they’ve slowed it down to get anywhere in this city,” wrote Mikayla Scovell-Warwick.
Residents also questioned why other long-standing problem intersections, such as Highway 17 at 36 Street near the 7-Eleven, have not seen similar attention.
Permanent change
In a post responding to reader questions, The Border Pulse confirmed with the city that the new 60 km/h limits on 12 Street and 75 Avenue are permanent.
For now, drivers are being reminded to follow posted signs, including temporary construction limits, as crews continue work in the area. City officials say the changes are intended to balance safety and traffic flow as the southwest corner of Lloydminster keeps growing.
Whether residents will eventually warm up to the slower speeds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: people are paying attention to how the city manages its roads, and they are not shy about saying what they think.
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