Highway running through Shellbrook. (Google Maps)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Important Project

Town of Shellbrook in talks with province to help pedestrians cross highway

Jul 12, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The Town of Shellbrook hopes to find a solution to make it safe for pedestrians to cross the highway.

There’s currently no option for people to do so which has left some to risk jaywalking the busy road.

Mayor Amund Otterson told paNOW the town and province have been talking about ways to fix this.

“We have in the past heard that the Ministry of Highways believes that some sort of safe crosswalk is warranted,” Otterson said.

He added the province has told them they would split the bill for this type of project, especially one that includes lights to give drivers a heads-up.

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However, Otterson doesn’t think this is the best idea.

“(People) may just not stop, they may not see it,” he said.

In his opinion, any funds would be better spent on a project that doesn’t force drivers to stop.

“I would love to see an underpass, a pedestrian walkway underneath the highway,” Otterson said.

Meanwhile, talks between the province and the town are currently focused on a study to determine what the best option is.

Otterson explained there’s no exact timeline on when the study will start, finish, or when an approved project gets up and running. He added these types of things usually take a bit of time, though he remains optimistic since the province is already talking to them about it.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow