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County meets with transportation minister on local projects

McIver said Highway 55 likely delayed until 2022, but work should begin on bridge in July

ATHABASCA - It is not looking good for the extensive work that is needed on Highway 55 east of Athabasca to be completed this construction season, but work on the new bridge should start in July. 

Athabasca County reeve Larry Armfelt, Coun. Warren Griffin, Coun. Travais Johnson and CAO Ryan Maier represented the county in a phone meeting with Transportation minister Ric McIver April 7 where McIver indicated work on the crumbling highway would not happen until at least 2022. 

“We let it be known to him that Highway 55 is a well-traveled highway and pointed out that Highways 55 and 63 are major arteries for Athabasca County — along with others of course — but just to zero in on 55 and 63 that they contribute a large amount of money into the economics of the province,” Armfelt said later. 

Armfelt said the highway is a major safety concern for all council members as it is used by industry and locals alike. 

“We feel that we deserve better support from the province to improve the safety factor on Highway 55 for the traveling public,” said Armfelt. “He projected the possibility of 2022.” 

He added he was pleased to hear about the local petition that gathered close to 1,900 signatures, saying the government needs to hear from everyone who is concerned about the highway. 

“It certainly does affect the town, and ultimately the Chamber of Commerce, so anybody that's got any skin in the game should be helping us out,” he said. 

Creator of the petition, Karyn Harper, said in an April 9 e-mail the petition will be tabled in the Legislature by the transportation critic for the opposition party. 

“The petition passed commissions and (NDP) MLA Lorne Dach will table it,” she said. “Great news!” 

She said Dach’s office did not confirm when it would happen, but she was invited to attend as a guest in the gallery once it is scheduled. 

“On behalf of MLA Dach I would like to confirm receipt of your correspondence. MLA Dach would be happy to table your petition,” said Ashley MacInnis, a staff member for Dach, in an e-mail to Harper April 9. “We will be in touch with more details when we know it will be presented in the Legislature.” 

McIver also told Armfelt and other representatives present that the bridge replacement on Highway 813 has hit a couple of snags, but work is still projected to start in July. 

“I know there have been concerns with erosion and that has delayed things again. They want to get in there and do some core samples,” said a source close to the project who asked not to be identified. “The placement may have to be changed again because of that.” 

Armfelt confirmed McIver said there were other factors in play delaying the start, but did not elaborate and added Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken and Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Laila Goodridge will be attending Athabasca County council April 13 to discuss the highway. 

“This is a safety issue,” said Armfelt. “It's not a political issue or anything like that, it's a safety issue for the people that have to drive on that road.” 

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