Road conditions normalizing after near-record June rainfall

LEDUC COUNTY -- It's been a busy few weeks for Leduc County Road Operations after near-record rainfall pummeled the region in June.

High precipitation from last month resulted in over 50 road washouts due to widespread flooding across the rural municipality. County staff report that the amount of rainfall accumulated throughout the month marked the highest June rainfall amount they had seen in at least 75 years. This caused major issues for culverts, bridges, and roads, and prompted extensive efforts from Leduc County Road Operations to protect critical infrastructure.

While the wetter weather experienced during the early part of June was welcomed by agricultural producers, for many, water began to pool on fields during the weekend of June 20 and 21. This is when the accumulated water began to also negatively impact the County's transportation network, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and forcing crews into action to mitigate damage.

"During the month of June, we had anywhere between 300 to 400 mm of rain in this municipality," said Garrett Broadbent, Director of Road Operations. "Over that weekend (June 20 and 21), that's when things really hit hard. I know we had staff on call that Saturday evening into the Sunday morning, we had staff come in at 2:30 a.m. because the greater Nisku area was inundated with water." 

During that time, crews observed overflowing in both local stormwater ponds and roadside ditches. It's noted that the Pigeon Lake and Blackmud watersheds were hit particularly hard during the June 20th and 21st weekend, while significant work was done to help protect Telfordville Bridge from becoming overtaken by the flooding. Though most of the road closures have been lifted over the past several days, Broadbent says that some areas will require extra attention before reopening.

"The major side-slope fracture -- this is right on the border of Divisions four and five, south of Chubocha Highway," said Broadbent. "It's a big side-slope fracture that goes down into Conjuring Creek. It's a major failure, and we need to keep that road -- permanently closed at this time -- until work is done on it. It's an inconvenience for residents there because they have to drive all the way around."

As of today, Township Road 482 between Range Road 15 and 20 has been reopened, while Highway 778 has also reopened after being washed out at the end of the month. For the latest on current road conditions in Leduc County, residents can contact Road Operations or visit the county's website.

The heavy rainfall from late June was also enough to overwhelm wastewater systems in Beaumont, Calmar, and Thorsby.