DIDSBURY - Under a new road closure policy approved by Didsbury council, a traffic strategy may be required as part of a development agreement to indicate construction expectations and how the closures will be managed.
Council has approved Road Closure Policy 005-24 by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
The policy is in place to support the temporary closure of town-owned roadways for special events, public requests and to facilitate the need of new development and construction.
It includes language granting exceptions to road closures that are being requested by external agencies to assist in the construction, repair, maintenance or development of a municipal improvement, such as a road or public utility.
The new policy’s principles section now reads: “A traffic strategy may be required to indicate where closures are needed and how they are being managed. The requirement for a traffic strategy may be added to the development agreement for construction expectations and road closure anticipated.
“In urgent or unexpected circumstances, the chief administrative officer may grant a temporary road couture with less than 48 hours notice. The Town of Didsbury will endeavour to provide pedestrian and vehicle access whenever possible.
The policy also includes a list of pre-approved events for road and train station parking lot closures: Didsbury Elks Parade in August, Didsbury Schools Terry Fox Run in September, Didsbury Country Christmas in December, and CPKC Holiday Train in December.
The communication of road closure section now includes that “All downtown businesses will receive notification relative to parking restrictions in effect during filming in the central core.
“Didsbury communications department will post road closure notices on the Town of Didsbury website and social media platforms.”
After approving the new policy, council carried a second motion rescinding the previous External Road Closure Request Policy and a second motion sending the new policy to the Policy and Governance Committee for review and recommendation.
