TCH intersection could finally get traffic lights

By Collin Gallant on November 16, 2018.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com @CollinGallant

A decade-old hope of having traffic lights installed at a major highway intersection in Dunmore could be close to reality, Cypress County Deputy Reeve Richard Oster told a business breakfast on Thursday.

County officials plan to meet with Alberta Transportation administrators next week in Edmonton as part of the Rural Municipalities conference, with controls for the intersection of the Trans-Canada a top item.

Residents have long complained that making it on or crossing the highway can be harrowing, Oster said, adding the growing population of the hamlet, new construction on the east end, and continuing complaints led council to reopen the issue.

“We’ve been told it’s a go and the money’s there, but we haven’t seen it yet,” Oster told reporters. “As soon as the contribution is there, we’ll get working on the drawings.”

That would include signalled lights to stop traffic in four directions, as well as new turning lanes, he said.

The statement came as Oster laid out priorities of the county for a Chamber of Commerce event in Medicine Hat, stating solar panel array for county offices could also be announced, as well as joint ventures with the City of Medicine Hat for trail development.

The biggest revelation however, was the intersection, which Oster said could be cost shared with provincial ministry, and has been a priority for council for some time.

At issue is the crossing of the Trans-Canada and Eagle Butte Road, which is the main entrance to the hamlet, leads to the high school and is close to the Co-op Gas bar and other businesses. A frontage road that parallels the highway is frequented by transport trucks. Charles Street, on the north side, leads to the light industrial area and the Richardson Pioneer elevator.

Calls to install a signal reached its height in 2006, after three fatal accidents were recorded there in the previous two years.

At the time, Alberta Transportation stated volume of cross traffic didn’t warrant diverging from a plan to have fewer, not more lights on the major highway. Instead, large stop signs were installed and the speed through the hamlet reduced to 80 km/h.

Oster spent much of his speech at the reconfigured autumn Chamber event to promote the county’s endeavours and its standing in the region and opportunities for private industry to work with the county.

“We want people to know we’re a good neighbour,” said Oster.

Redcliff Mayor Dwight Kilpatrick as well was making his first appearance at the Leaders Breakfast, and took the opportunity to explain Redcliff council’s strategic priorities. The town is making progress on reworking its sewer system and has potential for development, he told chamber members.

“You guys can rumour mill something to death or get out and support it,” said Kilpatrick. “Government works long-term, but business people are driving things today.”

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