Construction begins on two notoriously dangerous southern Alberta intersections

WATCH ABOVE: Two notoriously dangerous intersections are getting a serious overhaul. Construction is underway at both the Coalhurst and Nobleford intersections, and community members couldn’t be happier. Quinn Campbell reports.

LETHBRIDGE- It didn’t just happen overnight, but after years of talk and consideration, two major southern Alberta intersections are being upgraded.

Jake van Schothorst is a local business owner in Coalhurst who has pushed for changes to the intersection at Highway 3 and the entrance to Coalhurst.

“Through perseverance, a little bit of luck, a lot of determination and good will from many stakeholders, here we are today and it’s happening,” said van Schothorst.

The Coalhurst intersection upgrade is expected to take about a month to complete.  It will see the westbound Highway 3 turning lane extended and moved over, giving a better line of site for people exiting the community.

“Through the collaboration of many different people that we are here today, and actually seeing this action take place, none could have done this on their own,” added van Schothorst.

Some people wanted to see an overpass built, but for van Schothorst, he’s just grateful to see any changes at all.

“What was proposed and what was agreed on is attainable and it’s realistic, we can actually experience it in our lifetime, and I think that’s huge.”

Construction on the roundabout at the Nobleford intersection is also in full swing, with crews already moving dirt.  It’s a welcomed site for Mayor Don McDowell.

“The roundabout might not be everyone’s first choice, but I think in the long term, it will be a tremendous way to go on this,” said McDowell.

The price tag on the roundabout is $3.4 million.  That’s less than originally thought and the funding is already in place. Construction should be wrapped up by the end of October.

Those who worked on seeing changes to both deadly intersections say they were grateful the switch in government didn’t stop the projects from moving forward, and that it was the push of one man that made the difference.

“If it hadn’t been for our former elected official in this area, Ian Donovan, this probably never would have come about.  Ian worked awfully hard to make this a reality,” added McDowell.