Transportation Minister Ric McIver promised Mayor Susan Samson and Chief Administrative Officer Betty Osmond he’ll revisit a funding decision about money for intersection improvements in conjunction with the construction of Memorial Trail.
The pair met McIver in Edmonton last Wednesday to discuss Alberta Transportation’s decision not to fund additional intersection work which his department officials had asked be included as additional items when tender packages were sent out.
“We really stressed the working commitment between the town and province,” said Samson.
Alberta Transportation’s decision to make the Highway 781 intersection right-in and right-out for travellers heading south on 50th Street was “unpopular”.
“It’s important for us to work together, close on this item, so we get our residents and visitors moving in a safe manner,” said Samson.
The contract for the initial $4.5 million of work on Memorial Trail has been “signed and sealed by both parties” reported Osmond at Monday night’s council meeting. “Construction should soon begin.” She added that now the contract is signed they can get into details of project management and traffic flow during construction.
In her written report, Osmond said “the minister gave the mayor ample time to explain the background on the issue and the importance of upgrading the intersections impacted by the project, particularly the intersections of Memorial Trail and Highway 20 and where Highway 20 meets Highway 11. The minister indicated he had a better understanding of the situation after the presentation.”
Brian Reid, regional director with Alberta Transportation, also attended the meeting “and was very supportive with regard to the technical aspects related to traffic flow and public safety”.
“It would be a win-win if we can finish this project in its entirety this year,” said Samson. She added McIver knows construction will be underway when he makes a decision “so if there’s a favourable decision we can do it this season”.
Border Paving Ltd. was the successful bidder for the project.