The record rainfall this year has affected gravel road conditions across Sturgeon County. All the precipitation has made the roads soft and subject to damage quite easily.
Drivers may encounter ruts, rough roads, and mud on the roads this fall. Please slow down, take extra care on gravel roads and be patient with road crews as they work to keep roads safe.
This fall, several factors could add to the challenges on soft gravel roads:
- School buses
- School buses will be back on the roads soon. They might need to reduce their speed and pulling over the shoulders to allow other cars to pass might not be possible due to soft shoulders. Please give school buses plenty of space as they deal with the conditions and safely deliver students.
- Farm vehicles for harvest
- As harvest gets underway, wet conditions will create extra challenges for farmers and drivers. Saturated fields may make it hard for farm vehicles to enter or leave fields, which could mean more trucks and equipment on the road. Mud may also be tracked onto roads, while wide farm equipment and heavy loads could cause ruts and soft spots on gravel roads. Drivers are asked to slow down, use care, and share the road with farm equipment. For tips read: How to Share the Road with Farm Vehicles during Alberta’s Harvest Season from the Alberta Motor Association.
- Road construction
- Residents and motorists will see more construction activity as the weather conditions improve. This will mean more hauling and heavy vehicles on the roads, which may temporarily affect gravel road conditions.
Please be patient as County staff and contractors monitor the roads and address issues as they come up.
- Residents and motorists will see more construction activity as the weather conditions improve. This will mean more hauling and heavy vehicles on the roads, which may temporarily affect gravel road conditions.
The County welcomes feedback about road concerns and ongoing issues. However, this year has been very challenging, and wet conditions may limit or delay Transportation crews’ ability to maintain roads and respond to concerns.
Please be prepared for changing road conditions and report any adverse road conditions through Report A Road Concern. The County’s after-hours emergency number is 780-939-4321.
