Town announces Highway 2 paving

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Highway 2 through High Prairie will be paved this year despite claims just four months ago the project was not in Alberta Transportation and Utilities three-year plan. The Town of High Prairie issued a news release July 31 stating the project will commence Oct. 1. “Tenders have been released and will close in time for completion this fall. This work is expected to commence Oct. 1,” reads the news release. Bill Gish, Transportation’s operations manager, Peace River district, said Aug. 3 the project was placed on the three-year plan. However, he has been on leave for the past month and was not aware the project was fast-tracked. Wayne Franklin, Transportation’s regional director, said Aug. 3 he is not aware of the status of every project and would have to check on the status of the High Prairie project. Gish said April 4 he was aware of the need for the project, however. “It’s not on the plan but we’re trying to get it on the plan,” he said. Without checking files, neither could offer an explanation why the project was fast-tracked. The paving project has a long history. It was on Transportation’s three-year plan six years ago but deleted. Council has since lobbied to complete it done. Earlier this year, it was suggested the paving be completed the same time intersection improvements are completed at the M.D. of Big Lakes - Buchanan Lumber corner. Local politicians argued it only made sense since the equipment was already in town. News of the highway paving is only part of work being completed this year. Cox Contracting began construction on the $2.2 million infrastructure renewal contract Aug. 1 and should be completed Sept. 30. The four projects include work on 49 Street and 59 Avenue, 54 Avenue from 49 Street behind Freson IGA, 44 Street at Highway 2 and 49 Street at Highway 2.

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