Traffic changes planned during Ponoka Stampede

PONOKA -- Traffic changes are set to take effect during the upcoming Ponoka Stampede.

According to the Town of Ponoka, the municipality will be enacting various traffic control measures from Monday, June 23rd to Wednesday, July 2nd, effective 24-hours daily. They say the move is aimed at ensuring pedestrian and vehicle safety for the duration of the 2025 Ponoka Stampede.

"With high volumes of traffic expected during the Ponoka Stampede once again this summer, the Town is committed to helping ensure the safety of our residents and visitors with these temporary traffic control measures," said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.

• Reduced speed limit of 30 km/hr along Highway 53, beginning east of Highway 2A and ending at 46 Street.
• Reduced speed limit of 50 km/hr along Highway 2A, beginning south of 36 Avenue to the intersection of Highways 2A and 53.
• A temporary four-way stop at Highway 53 and 50 Street. Advanced signage will notify motorists east and west of the four-way stop at the intersection of 50 Street and Highway 53. The access road to the Stampede grounds will be temporarily open to traffic at that intersection, making it a four-way stop.
• Access to Highway 53 will be closed to traffic at 54 Street, however, 54 Street will remain open to local traffic and users of the Ponoka Arena Complex. Access to Highway 53 will be blocked to traffic at the south end of 54 Street.

The township says that RCMP personnel will also help direct pedestrian and vehicle traffic at pedestrian crossings on Highway 53 during peak traffic volume periods as needed to ensure public safety. Pedestrian crossings along Highway 53 will be marked with signage. Ponoka residents are encouraged to consider alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic flows during Stampede week.

The 2025 Ponoka Stampede begins on June 25th and wraps up July 1st.