After consulting area residents through an online survey, Alberta Transportation is moving forward with plans to create four-way stops at two of the Drumheller area’s major, and most deadly, intersections. 
At the intersections of Highway 9 and 21 and Highway 9, 27, and 56, crews have started installing four-way stops. Motorists will also see new advance warning rumble strips.
Alberta Transportation was compelled to conduct the survey after countless collisions, some deadly, at each intersection.
On July 15 of this year a Three Hills man employed by Carillion was killed and another worker was injured at the intersection of Highways 9 and 21 in a three vehicle collision.
The results from the surveys conducted by Alberta Transportation indicated respondents were largely in favour of four-way stops.
For the intersection at Highways 9 and 21, 57.09 per cent of respondents supported the creation of a four-way stop. At Highways 9, 27, and 56, roughly 60 per cent of respondents supported the conversion.
The most startling result of the survey is when respondents were asked how comfortable they felt passing through each intersection.
When going through Highways 9 and 21, the majority of respondents, 57 per cent, felt some level of discomfort when passing through. Of that, 34.01 per cent responded they felt very uncomfortable.
The discomfort was greater at Highways 9, 27, and 56. Almost 64 per cent of respondents felt uncomfortable when driving through the intersection, with roughly 25 per cent responding they felt very comfortable.
Alberta Transportation moved toward four-way stops in light of studies showing a 48 per cent reduction in collisions at intersections with four-way stops.
Comments were also made suggesting creating overpasses. Alberta Transportation indicated it wouldn’t be feasible at this time, because it would take at least five years and would require considerably more land.
Roundabouts were also suggested, and the province indicated they could be considered as a next step should the four-way stops not have the desired results.
Alberta Transportation will monitor each intersection and determine if any changes are needed.
