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Brewin continues push for traffic controls at critical intersection

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Taber Times

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
tbusch@tabertimes.com

Coun. Jack Brewin is maintaining pressure for the Town of Taber to take action on improving traffic controls at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 864.

“I just had other concerns about the issue I raised at the last meeting, about the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 864, just if we are pursuing that further with Alberta Transportation about traffic control at that intersection,” said Brewin, speaking during the council requests portion of the Jan. 9 regular meeting of council. “Some concerned citizens are asking if we’re going to follow through with that any further as council. I said, on behalf of myself, I’m sure council will be looking it.”

Brewin initially raised the concern during the Dec. 19, 2016, regular meeting of town council, citing the potential for even heavier traffic at the intersection in 2017 with the Municipal District of Taber constructing a new maintenance shop adjacent to Highway 3.

“I believe it was going to go to the Traffic Committee, and out of that we’ll have correspondence with Alberta Transportation, and bring that forward to council,” said public works director and acting CAO Gary Scherer. “Our next meeting I believe is January 18. We’re making Alberta Transportation well aware of that.”

Since the intersection is the confluence of two provincial highways, the town has only limited influence over the kinds of traffic control measures that could be implemented at the site.

“Just wondering about that. We don’t control what happens there, so I guess the Traffic Committee will have to submit something,” said Coun. Andrew Prokop.

While acknowledging decisions regarding traffic control measures at the intersection are largely outside of the control of the Town of Taber and rest with the provincial government, Brewin maintained the town must be willing to keep up pressure to see actual action take place.

“My concern is more people are asking about it, wondering if we are pursuing it, as you said we’re writing a letter, just so we can tell people that we are pursuing that, and that it is a priority. And because we say it’s their decision, but I think as a town it’s a big decision on our part whether or not we want control of that intersection a little bit better than what there is now.”

Coun. Laura Ross-Giroux questioned whether the issue be acknowledged as a primary consideration for the town.

“Do we state it as a priority though?”

Brewin was quick with his response.

“That’s what I’ve been told by fellow Taberites, that it is a priority in their lives.”

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