Residents in Parkland County are urging authorities to enhance safety measures following a recent fatal collision on Highway 627 near Edmonton. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, involved a 69-year-old motorcyclist colliding with a pickup truck between Range Road 273 and Range Road 274. This marks the fourth deadly accident on this stretch of highway in the past year.
According to Parkland RCMP, there have been a total of 38 collisions on Highway 627 over the last year, resulting in five fatalities. Robert Oliver, a local resident and retired veteran, highlighted concerns about the highway’s intersections being accident-prone due to speeding and the absence of advanced green lights.
Expressing his worries, Oliver emphasized the need for safety improvements, especially considering the potential risks for young individuals traveling on the road for school or work. He has reached out to the Ministry of Transportation twice, specifically advocating for the installation of advanced green lights at the Highway 627 and Highway 60 junction.
In a separate incident on July 16, a collision at the same intersection claimed the lives of two Stony Plain residents. Kevin McGillivray, the detachment commander at Parkland RCMP, noted the rise in fatal collisions on Highway 627 compared to previous years. Collaborating with the Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol and Parkland County peace officers, they plan to intensify enforcement actions along Highway 627 in the near future.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, a Ministry of Transportation spokesperson extended condolences to the affected families and assured a thorough review of RCMP investigations to identify potential safety enhancements for both the highway and its intersections. Highway 627, managed by Alberta Transportation, remains a focal point for increased safety measures and vigilance.