Province changes course following public outcry

PARKLAND COUNTY -- The province has decided it will not be closing Highway 16A access at Range Road 20 after strong public opposition.

In their original plans, Alberta's Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors sought to close the intersection and re-route traffic through a service road connecting to Range Road 15. These plans were met with significant opposition from the public, as a local petition calling for the province to reverse course gathered more than 700 signatures. 

In the petition, residents complained that closing Highway 16A access at Range Road 20 would have resulted in a number of concerns for local residents and drivers. Of these, one of the main concerns related to potentially increased traffic volume on Range Road 15, which they described as a rural road not designed for the increased traffic flow.

With their announcement on November 21, 2025, the province indicated that a new interchange would be coming to the intersection of Range Road 20 and Highway 16 -- but that the RR20 and Highway 16A intersection would not be closed. Instead, new traffic lights are being planned for that intersection starting sometime next year.

In conversation with 88.1 The One, Parkland County Mayor Rod Shaigec credits the community for making their voices heard.

"This is a credit to the residents, those who remained steadfast and vocal," said Mayor Shaigec. "They orchestrated a petition, and there was also a lot of social media chatter. I think that all of those, collectively, helped influence the decision."

The Government of Alberta says they will review if further improvements will be needed at the intersection of Highway 16A and Range Road 20 to accommodate the new interchange planned for the nearby intersection of Highway 16 and RR20. The petition calling on the province to halt their original plans for Highway 16A was started by resident Tracy Hucul back in September.

"I just want to recognize those individuals who led that initiative for the petition, and all the individuals who signed it," said Mayor Shaigec.