Speed limit cut on Highway 59 in Brokenhead First Nation

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This article was published 10/05/2023 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government says the speed limit has been reduced on the stretch of Highway 59 that runs through Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, after an elderly pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run last month.

A government spokesperson said Wednesday that Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure had lowered the limit to 50 km/h from 80 km/h, in the community, which is about 35 kilometres northeast of Selkirk, and is on the way to Lake Winnipeg cottage country.

The spokesperson said department staff was installing new speed limit signs on Wednesday.

The First Nation’s leaders had called on the government to improve safety on the highway the day after the April 20 collision that killed a 75-year-old man, who was walking to work.

Chief Gordon Bluesky said at the time he wanted the province to reduce the speed limit, improve lighting and add safe pedestrian crossings on the highway stretch.

The government said the decision to lower the speed limit was a result of consultation with the First Nation’s leaders.

“Further engagement is planned with Brokenhead Ojibway Nation to discuss longer-term improvements to the area.”

Manitoba RCMP said the collision happened at about 10:40 p.m.

The man was walking north on the right shoulder of the highway when a vehicle struck him from behind. The driver fled and the victim died at the scene.

Police believe he was struck by a 2007 to 2012 Ford Fusion that is burgundy in colour, based on debris at the scene. A forensic collision reconstruction specialist was used in the investigation. Mounties have not announced any arrests.

The hit-and-run was witnessed by children in a nearby schoolyard.

erik.pindera@winnipegfreepress.com