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Town of Sylvan Lake likes Highway 11 twinning plans

Province plans to twin Highway 11 to Rocky Mountain House
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Sylvan Lake’s town council welcomes the provincial government’s plan to add three roundabouts into the community on Highway 11.

“I think, in general, we’re pleased that access is a consideration, as well as safety,” said town communications officer Joanne Bjornson.

Alberta Transportation is planning five traffic roundabouts as part of its $120-million project to twin Highway 11 from Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House.

Premier Jason Kenney announced the 66-kilometre project in July, touting it as a major initiative to improve highway safety and boost economic development in central Alberta.

Under plans revealed Thursday, five roundabouts are proposed: Highway 20, Highway 781, Range Road 1-5, Range Road 2-5A (Benalto access) and Highway 766 (Eckville access).

Alberta Transportation wants to work quickly on building the traffic roundabouts in the Sylvan Lake area — highways 20 and 781 and Range Road 1-5.

Design work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, so the project can be tendered next year.

Bjornson said council was particularly happy to see the province intends to revamp the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 11.

The busy intersection is known as a high collision location and a roundabout is expected to be a safer alternative.

There is also likely to be significant local enthusiasm for a roundabout at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 781, which turns into 50th Street in town.

A number of years ago, the intersection was converted to only right turns in and out, a move that was opposed by a vocal group of residents, who also did not like the province’s plan to close the intersection entirely in the future.

Bjornson said town staff have been working with the province on plans for the area and are looking forward to seeing what the public has to say about the proposed changes.

Alberta Transportation is also looking at revamping the intersections at Burnt Lake Road and Highway 2, which are nearing capacity.

The public is invited to comment on the proposal using an interactive map at https://vertisee.mcelhanney.com/Highway11FPS/