LETHBRIDGE – Potentially lifesaving changes are coming to a pair of southern Alberta intersections.
For decades, residents and community officials have been rallying for changes to the intersection at Coalhurst and Highway 3, including business owner Jake Van Schorst.
“I’m just glad that something is finally happening, it’s been years that people have talked about it.”
He was one of many community members circulating a petition with options for Alberta Transportation to consider. Now, one of those options is moving forward. The deceleration lane turning into the town will be moved over, opening up the line of site for drivers exiting the intersection.
“It won’t be a perfect solution but it will give people more control to navigate the intersection more safely,” adds Van Schorst.
Big changes are also in the works for the intersection of highway 519 and highway 23.
A roundabout is now planned, along with a two-stage speed reduction from 100 kph to 70 kph and then at the roundabout itself, from 70 to 40 kph.
The intersection is just two kilometers from Nobleford, and Mayor Don McDowell says the community has been waiting a long time for change.
“Truckers are a little in doubt about how fast they can get through it, we won’t know that until it gets built and we actually see the physical size of it. For those of us that live in this area, it’s a dream come true,” said McDowell
Dozens of options were tossed around for years to reduce the number of collisions, and while it wasn’t the most popular option, Mayor McDowell says he is grateful that at least something is finally happening.
“This $4.2 million dollar roundabout is kind of a compromise, but it’s one we are more than willing to make.”
Construction on both projects is expected to start as early as June.
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