A 75 percent ban on Municipal District of Bonnyville roads will be enforced effective Monday, March 25, at 7 a.m., aiming to safeguard road infrastructure during periods of vulnerability, particularly the spring thaw. 

Under this ban, all commercial vehicles exceeding the posted weight restrictions on M.D. roads, including agricultural vehicles licensed for highway use transporting equipment and produce, will require a Road Use Agreement. This marks a departure from previous exemptions granted to agricultural vehicles. However, farm equipment that does not require license plates for public road use remains exempt from the ban.  

The imposition of road bans is crucial for protecting M.D. roads from potential damage during periods of heightened susceptibility, such as the spring thaw.  

Year-round restrictions are in place on several M.D. roads, including:  

• Township Road 610 (Range Road 460 to Highway 657) - 75%  
• Rge. Rd. 474 (Hwy. 660 to Hwy. 28) - 50%  
• Twp. Rd. 624 (between Hwy. 881 and Rge, Rd, 4100) - 75%  
• Twp. Rd. 644 (between Rge. Rd. 473 and Rge. Rd. 475) - 50% 
• Rge. Rd. 470 (Hwy. 55 to Twp. Rd. 630) - 75% 
• Twp. Rd. 622 (Dupre Road) (between Rge. Rd. 470 and Rge. Rd. 473) - 50% 
• Rge. Rd. 455 (from two limits to M.D. Public Works Shop) - 75%  
• Twp. Rd. 604 (Hwy. 667 to Rge. Rd. 445) 75% 
• Hamlet of La Corey – 50%  
• Rge. Rd. 420 (from Rge. Rd. 423 intersection to 65321 RGE RD 420 intersection) - 75%  

Commercial and agricultural haulers are urged to acquaint themselves with Bylaw No. 1840, which provides comprehensive guidelines on road usage within the M.D.  

Entities intending to operate commercial or agricultural vehicles exceeding weight restrictions must submit a request for a Road Use Agreement. If approved, this agreement will delineate terms of road usage within the municipality, with the M.D. retaining the prerogative to designate suitable routes. Agreement holders will bear responsibility for any roadway damage incurred during their operations.  

Importantly, implementing this bylaw does not constitute an open invitation to utilize M.D. roadways without adherence to regulations. The M.D. will collaborate closely with organizations to determine optimal routes while safeguarding municipal infrastructure.  

Notably, the bylaw does not extend to roads under provincial jurisdiction within M.D. boundaries, with primary and secondary highways remaining subject to provincial regulations. 

As the road authority, the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 reserves the right to alter haul routes as deemed necessary due to road deterioration.  

For additional information on Road Use Agreements, individuals can refer to the resources provided or contact 780-826-3951.  

The post Road bans implemented in the Municipal District of Bonnyville to preserve infrastructure integrity appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

Motorists in eastern Alberta are advised to anticipate delays as a heavy load transporting large industrial equipment to Fort McMurray will be on the road from today December 5, until Friday, December 8.  

The journey will cover various highways, including 36 and 45, passing through key points like Viking, Lavoy, and Two Hills.  

The load measuring 8.7 meters wide, 10.2 meters high, and 47 meters long, weighs a staggering 483,000 kilograms. It will be carried by specialized trailer equipment with 352 wheels, moving at a controlled speed of 60 km/h. The transportation process will require the full width of the highway including the shoulder.  

On Wednesday, the load, which will be accompanied by four pilot vehicles, will head east on Highway 45 from Two Hills and north on Highway 36.  

Route

The load will leave Dacro in south Edmonton using the following route: 

Day 1 – Tuesday, Dec. 5 (early morning) 

• Exit from 9325 51 Avenue, Edmonton 
• 51 Avenue eastbound 
• 75 Street southbound 
• Whitemud counterflow eastbound 
• Highway 216 southbound counterflow 
• Highway 14 eastbound (stage at 14/21 until daylight) 

Day 1 – Tuesday, Dec. 5 (day move) 

• Highway 14 eastbound 
• Highway 36 northbound 
• Highway 45 eastbound (park at Two Hills Scale) 

Day 2 – Wednesday, Dec. 6 (day move) 

• Highway 45 eastbound 
• Highway 36 northbound 
• Highway 29 eastbound 
• Highway 36 northbound 
• Highway 28 westbound 
• Highway 63 northbound (park at Radway Scale) 

Day 3 – Thursday, Dec. 7 (day move) 

• Highway 63 northbound 
• Highway 55 eastbound 
• Highway 63 northbound (park at POE staging area) 

Day 4 – Friday, Dec. 8 (night move) 

• Highway 63 northbound 
• Utilize ramps in Fort McMurray to avoid overpasses 
• Highway 63 northbound (use Suncor Ramp to miss overpass) 

Motorists will experience delays and are asked to watch for the guide vehicles, flag people, and be patient while they move through the area, according to Alberta Transport officials.  

Files from G. Lampow - Vista Radio

The post Super heavy load set to travel eastern Alberta, expected delays on Highway 36 and 45 appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The season's first snowfall graced us on Monday, prompting the RCMP to urge drivers to exercise caution and adapt to the prevailing road conditions.  

While the Lakeland area only got a light dusting of snow, Environment Canada issued snowfall warnings for several other regions in Alberta.  

In Leduc, the police have flagged winter driving hazards, particularly on the QEII Highway.  

“Some drivers are unprepared for the annual transitions from the dry pavement of summer to winter driving conditions,” said Constable Cheri-Lee Smith, Leduc RCMP Public Information Officer in a news release.  

The RCMP is advising drivers to make the switch to winter readiness.  

They are suggesting the following: 

• Keep your headlights on all the time 
• Ensure your vehicle is in a safe mechanical condition 
• Never use cruise control in winter conditions 
• It is not recommended to travel in winter conditions if your vehicle is equipped with summer tires 
• On a wet or slick surface, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop 
• Remember that bridge decks may be slippery even when other parts of the highway are not 

They also recommend keeping an emergency road kit in your vehicle, with the following supplies: 

• blanket or sleeping bag 
• extra clothing and footwear 
• emergency non-perishable food 
• candle in a deep tin 
• waterproof matches 
• first aid kit 
• flashlight with extra batteries 
• fire extinguisher 
• booster cables 
• ice scraper 
• snow brush 
• paper towels or rags 
• road map 
• compass 
• sand, road salt, or kitty litter 
• shovel 

RCMP adds to make sure your cell phone is fully charged, especially in case of an emergency.  

The post Alberta RCMP urges drivers to adapt to winter conditions appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The snow has caused a lot of issues in the Lakeland area and the city of Cold Lake has decided it is time to remove the blanket of problem.

Public worker crews and contractors are working together to remove as much snow as they can. The team is also sanding the streets as much as you can.

The streets are maintained in priority based on the ranking and trigger system. The public can see the priority route maps for Cold Lake North and Cold Lake South here.

There are a couple of things residents can do to assist the city in cleaning the streets. By following the list below the city can keep the streets accessible for everyone:

• Remove your vehicles from the street on your assigned day. Signs are posted at the entrances to neighbourhoods at least 24 hours before crews arrive. When vehicles are left on the street, it takes causes delays to manoeuvre around them and leaves an unfinished section of the street.
• Remove driveway boards or ramps on your assigned day. They can get caught in the machinery and cause damage and costly delays.
• Avoid streets where our crews are working. The less traffic and congestion we have to deal with, the faster we can get in and out of your neighbourhood.

The post Cold Lake snow removal appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The roads have been icy, snowy and the wind has made for some low visibility this morning in the Lakeland area.

Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority has responded to 3 calls today and all three calls involved vehicles in the ditch on the highway. Highway 28 saw two people hit the ditch and Highway 897 saw one car need assistance.

Regional Deputy Fire Chief Dan Heney says drivers should avoid driving right now.

Heney says if you have to drive today here are a couple of tips to make sure you avoid getting into an accident.

• Take your time
• Clean off your car
• Drive with caution
• Make sure you have warm clothes in your car
• Remember that four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive does not help out your ability to stop, so give yourself extra room to stop

Heney says it is up to each driver to assess when it is safe to travel outside and start up the car.

The total amount of snow expected is between 20 to 30 cm.

The post Lakeland area hit with huge snowfall appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

Environment Canada has given out a winter storm warning for all the Lakeland area.

The following areas are under the winter storm warning:

• Co. of St. Paul near Ashmont St. Vincent and St. Lina
• Co. of St. Paul near Elk Point and St. Edouard
• Co. of St. Paul near Lindbergh and Frog Lake
• Co. of St. Paul near St. Paul and Lafond
• Improvement District 349 including Cold Lake Air Weapons Range
• Lac La Biche Co. near Fork Lake
• Lac La Biche Co. near Heart Lake
• Lac La Biche Co. near Lac La Biche and Square Lake
• Lac La Biche Co. near Lakeland Prov. Park and Rec. Area
• Lac La Biche Co. near Plamondon Hylo and Avenir
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Beaverdam
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Bonnyville Ardmore and Kehewin Res.
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Cold Lake and City of Cold Lake
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Fishing Lake Smt
• M.D. of Bonnyville near Glendon and Moose Lake
• M.D. of Bonnyville near La Corey Wolf Lake and Truman
• Smoky Lake Co. near Buffalo Lake and Kikino Smts
• Smoky Lake Co. near Vilna Saddle Lake and Whitefish Lake

A total of 30 cm of heavy snow is expected to fall by Tuesday night.

Environment Canada suggests postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve as rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

The post Lakeland winter storm warning appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

As road construction season begins the Lakeland is getting an early start with two roads undergoing construction right now.

Twp. Rd. 644A between Rge. Rd. 470 and Rge. Rd. 471 will be under construction for only a little longer as it is planned to finish up the culvert repair on the 13th.

However, Rge. Rd. 435 south of Hwy. 28 will be under construction for a long time. The bridge is being replaced and will be completely shut down. The town of Bonnyville is asking all road users to please follow all road signs.

The construction is planned for completion in early December.

The post Road construction update appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Accident on Highway 41 appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

Though it was supposed to be finished by the 8th, the Town of St. Paul now says the closure of 55th Avenue between 52nd street and 53rd will now last until the 17th.

The town asks residents to continue using the back alley access while the closure remains in place.

The post 55 Ave Closure Extended to 17th appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Lessard Bridge Closed Tomorrow Until Friday appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Expect Delays on HWY 63 appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Alberta HUB to Study HWY 28 appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post The Town of Bonnyville Has Allocated 4.1 Million in Road Maintenance appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Deadly Crash on Highway 63 appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Bonnyville Exploring Ways to Reduce Traffic Buildups appeared first on My Lakeland Now.

The post Spring Road Bans in Effect appeared first on My Lakeland Now.