Recent alterations to turning lanes on Highway 27 at its intersection with Highway 2A has led to confusion for some motorists, the town reports.
So Alberta Transportation is changing the lanes to their original configurations.
Until last month, the left-hand lane for either direction on Highway 27 at the intersection allowed for travellers to turn left or go straight through the intersection.
These lanes were turned into left-turn-only lanes in July, however, to accommodate increased traffic at the intersection following the opening of the Pomeroy Inn and Suites adjacent to the intersection, an Alberta Transportation spokeswoman said.
Norm McInnis, the town's chief administrative officer, said this alteration of the intersection was a “mistake” on the part of Alberta Transportation and the ministry has changed the left-hand lanes to again allow for turns or through traffic.
“It's funny to see it now that it's changed back and you can see the importance of having the turning lanes because now that inside lane gets backed up going both ways if there's a car that wants to go through,” he said.
Larry Wright, the town's operational services director, said Alberta Transportation still has a number of further alterations to make at the intersection such as matching up overhead signage with markings on the roadway.
He added he expects the work to be completed soon.
“I was hoping it would be done yesterday.”
McInnis said a $5-million redesign, including merging lanes for both highways, is planned for the entire intersection in the future.
He added eastbound motorists on Highway 27 are also confused about the solid white line separating the right and left lanes just east of the intersection.
Travellers can legally cross the line to access the town office or businesses on the north side of the highway, McInnis said.
“If you're turning left into a property that's got a proper approach, you can cross that line.”
