LAKELAND – High rates of fatalities, no passing lanes and extreme deterioration – these are the concerns of residents and public officials when it comes to the state of Highway 28.
On April 12, the Town of Bonnyville approved a motion to take part in a joint letter to the Minister of Transportation Rajan Sawhney addressing the concerns surrounding the level of service and maintenance to Highway 28.
The MD of Bonnyville is spearheading the move to lobby the provincial government to address chronic maintenance issues with the main highway and is asking other municipalities in the region to take part.
Top concerns outlined in the drafted letter refer to the high numbers of collisions and fatalities on Highway 28. Concerns about the level of traffic, which serves as a main artery to the northeast, and a lack of passing lanes apart from the turning lane at the Highway 63 junction.
An overall lack of maintenance and service at present was also noted as being insufficient for the upkeep of the highway causing further degradation.
The Town’s CAO Bill Rogers indicated that while he was not sure which municipalities would be taking part in the joint letter, he stated that invitations had gone out as far west as Smoky Lake County.
Coun. Kayla Blanchette also indicated while attending an Alberta Hub meeting, many municipalities shared the same concerns with Highway 28.
“It's been pointed out numerous times by our MLA (David Hanson) that 1/3 of the revenue that was used to balance the provincial budget comes out of this area,” stated Coun. Brian McEvoy.
“I think this is one step forward, and we have to look at every opportunity to lobby the Province of Alberta to put some money back into this area that generates so much of the revenue that they're using to balance their budgets.”
McEvoy added that in order to make an impact, all municipalities in the region must pull together in the same direction.
“I know from my travels on the Junior A Pontiacs' bus, (Highway 28) is in need of some tender loving care,” said Coun. Neil Langridge. “So, I think this is a no-brainer for council to back.”
County of St. Paul joins in
During the April 12 County of St. Paul meeting, CAO Sheila Kitz informed council of the MD’s interest in adding the County’s name to a letter expressing concerns over highway maintenance in the region.
“The MD of Bonnyville is concerned about the level of service for primary and secondary highways because the contract deadline is approaching for highway maintenance. So, the sections of highways within their vicinity are extremely busy and have no proper passing lanes, which is chaotic,” Kitz said.
Council agreed and asked Kitz to work with the MD on the wording of the letter as it also has concerns within the County boundaries regarding the state of some local highways.
