The MD of Bonnyville is hoping Alberta Transportation will take a look at two concerns within the municipality.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, council passed a motion to send letters to Alberta Transportation to address issues along two provincial highways.
Wanting to give Ardmore intersection another look
The MD has agreed to send a letter to Minister of Transportation Brian Mason regarding two main intersections on Hwy. 28.
The areas of concern are the turnoff at Fort Kent and Ardmore.
MD of Bonnyville Reeve Greg Sawchuk explained at Fort Kent, there is a separate lane for those turning left so traffic can pass on the right. At the Ardmore turnoff, it's the opposite.
The left-hand turn lane is also for vehicles heading east on the highway, while the right hand lane is for those turning south onto Hwy. 892.
“It's very confusing for people,” Sawchuk said.
Over the years, there have been a number of collisions in this area, some resulting in hospitalization or death.
“It would just be nice if the markings were in-line with what the natural traffic flow would be. Currently, with the way it's set up, people in Ardmore are passing on the right when they're coming eastbound and someone is turning left. It sets up a very bad situation for those who are wanting to pull through that intersection or turn left from the opposite direction,” noted Sawchuk.
What council would like to see is both intersections structured the same.
“It has been a major concern for a lot of our residents. It has been heard time and time again that these are dangerous intersections,” Sawchuk added.
CAO Chris Cambridge noted even better signage would suffice.
“In that intersection, all of the markings are gone. They've worn off. Our request is for them to review it and possibly make it the same and possibly add some signage either above it or beside so you know what the lanes are when they're covered in snow. It's just to make it safer,” he said.
The decision is up to Alberta Transportation, so all council can do now is wait.
“Alberta Highways have been pretty good about improving things over time. They just did some work on Hwy. 41. This is a big one here. People going through wonder if they should stop or swerve right when someone in front of them is making a left turn,” Cambridge said.
Signage could improve in Ardmore
A second letter to Alberta Transportation will address the issue of signage in Ardmore.
Council discussed the issue at a previous meeting after residents expressed concerns over when the speed limit changes from 30-kilometres per hour to 50.
Because the MD doesn't own the highway, they have to get permission from the province before making any changes.
“The issue is, there's a school zone in there. The speed goes down, but the sign is missing for when it goes back up,” Cambridge explained.
They're hoping that additional signage will help eliminate any confusion.
Cambridge said council did receive a reply from Alberta Transportation, however, it was simply a notification that their request had been received.
