A notoriously dangerous Red Deer County intersection will be getting a roundabout.
The province and county have joined forces to upgrade the intersection at Airport Drive and Highway 2A, just east of Springbrook.
About 20,000 vehicles a day pass through the intersection, which is the main access in for both the growing Springbrook community and the Red Deer Regional Airport.
Red Deer County had planned to install traffic signals at the intersection as part of a $1.5 million project but Alberta Transportation favoured boosting safety further with a roundabout.
As part of the deal, the province will pick up most of the cost of the $6.8 million roundabout with the county contributing $857,000.
Several county councillor welcomed the upgrade.
“That road is fairly scary at that intersection and I’m really happy to see this,” said Coun. Dana Depalme.
Coun. Christine Moore said two Christmases ago she found herself waiting to turn left onto Highway 2A towards Red Deer on a foggy day.
“That intersection is really scary. I literally said my prayers. It’s amazing how many cars are going past there.”
Mayor Jim Wood said improving the intersection was long overdue.
“Springbrook has been one of our fastest growing communities in all of the province,” said Wood. “And if we’re going to see the airport grow it is extremely important for traffic to get in and out of it.
“This airport’s and Springbrook’s growth is extremely important to Red Deer County.”
Council unanimously approved a $5.8 million bid by Northside Construction to build the roundabout. With contingency, additional engineering work and land acqusition costs the final cost is estimated at $6.97 million.
pcowley@reddeeradvocate.com
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