It’s been a bumpy road thus far for a disputed road use application looking for a green light on log-hauling truck usage in the MD of Bighorn.
During a delegation at the MD’s regular meeting on Aug. 11, Spray Lakes Sawmills (SLS) offered engineering and operational expertise for trucks potentially being used on Jamieson and Richards roads, near Ghost Lake.
The earliest a decision can be made on the road use application by the MD for the 2014-15 season is during the Sept. 8 regular meeting.
The MD’s consulting engineer, Cory Wilson of McElhanney, didn’t speak on the subject, but heard SLS’ argument during the delegation. He may provide feedback to administration for the upcoming meeting.
The controversial submission has been widely focused on by residents who live on the roads. Some have previously come before council in delegations opposing the road use application in their community. Concerns surrounded safety, with suggestions the roads are not built for heavy hauling.
In a report made on the subject roads by Justin Barrett, president of JCB Engineering Ltd. and hired by SLS, it was stated roads are adequate to accommodate log haul traffic with the addition of safety improvements.
After an objection to the application and declaring a bias, councillor Paul Clark excused himself from the discussion. Clark stated he doesn’t feel the road use would be safe, and neither do the people in his riding.
SLS stated in its application it would investigate all complaints and equip some log hauling vehicles with dashboard video cameras.
However, in three main points presented by Barrett to council, which included strategies around road prohibitions and signal lights as an area of concern, he said the use of dashboard cams were no longer needed. Along with providing no safety benefit, Barrett said truck encroachment in other lanes – a main fear by residents, couldn’t be seen due to how the cameras are positioned and a wide-angle lens.
Councillor Paul Ryan was “incredibly surprised” SLS is choosing to move away from the dashboard cams. He said having the cams installed provides accountability and a record if an accident occurs.
“I’m not buying your argument, that’s all I’m saying,” Ryan said to the delegation.
“They are an inexpensive item that provides confidence in the general public that a record of it has occurred.”
Safety on the road has been a driving factor in the delegations. Barrett said road prohibitions due to weight limitation would only increase the risk of an accident occurring because it would add to the number of vehicles or usage on the roads.
“SLS will have an orientation for all drivers who will operate on those roads,” Barrett said, adding the unique characteristics and areas of the roads will be a centre of focus.
SLS’ reputation would be jeopardized if an accident should occur on either of the subject roads, pointed out MD Reeve Dene Cooper.
Road safety is council’s concern, said Cooper, and an application approval would increase use immensely on the two roads – suggesting up to 25 per cent.
“All Albertans benefit from your resources, but very few have to deal with the trucks,” Cooper said.
SLS’ Rob Berndt said the company’s performance in the safety field has been “exemplary” for 76 years.
“Our track record shows we have managed risks and the ways of putting signage out there are all ways of managing risks.”
