A pair of secondary highways in the County of Stettler are slated for maintenance upgrades this year.
Highways 855 and 853, which are in the Byemoor-Endiang Ward will finally be getting the much-needed improvement after County of Stettler CAO Tim Fox and Councillor Les Stulberg met with Operations Manager Craig Siewert and Operations Engineer Azhar Bangash, Alberta Transportation officials in their district office in Hanna on Monday, March 6.
“We are extremely pleased with Alberta Transportation’s initiative and commitment to making this a priority as a viable link to the province,” said Fox. “We have worked hard on behalf of our ratepayers to continually bring these projects to the forefront and we kept bringing them to the table, so it is especially satisfying when as a government we feel we have been heard.”
Communication by the county has been ongoing with Alberta Transportation on provincial highways within county borders, especially Hwy. 855, the deterioration of which has fielded many complaints.
The county learned that in the summer of 2017, Hwy. 855 is slated to receive a cold-mix asphalt stabilizer, which will fill the potholes and smooth the surface.
Base coursework will follow in 2018, which will bring the road to the same condition as in the neighbouring Special Areas.
“I’m optimistic about the improvements to be made on these highways in my area,” said Byemoor-Endiang councillor Les Stulberg. “Although, not meeting our ultimate goal of pavement it is nonetheless a step in the right direction and should greatly improve travel safety.”
Highway 853 will receive a top-up application of calcium to stabilize the gravel and further waterproofing of the road surface.
“Improvement of these secondary highways has long been a priority of mine and I was impressed with the Alberta Transportation district staff and felt the meeting was very productive,” Stulberg added. “I think it’s important to keep in constant communication with Alberta Transportation so these highways don’t get forgotten.”
As the County of Stettler looks forward to the upgrades, Fox added, “The improved safety of these Alberta government controlled highways are a valuable and integral piece of our rural road network, connecting families, farms and businesses throughout our Stettler County and I’m glad this is being taken care of.”
Seasonal road bans to go into effect today
Roads throughout County of Stettler will fall under a seasonal road ban beginning Wednesday, March 22 at 7 a.m., which reduces maximum allowable weights permitted on county roadways.
“In order to maintain the integrity of our rural road network and to ensure the safety of all users, roads throughout Stettler County will fall under a seasonal road ban,” said Yvette Cassidy, assistant CAO for the County of Stettler.
Full details of roads affected by these bans can be found on the county website or by calling the County of Stettler.