Secondary Highway 762 is in such dilapidated condition it is barely driveable in some areas and unless Alberta Transportation makes an effort to repair the roadway it should be closed.
What was once a popular destination for a Sunday drive the picturesque highway between Bragg Creek and Millarville has turned into a pockmarked disaster.
Numerous sinkholes along Secondary Highway 762, several the width of an entire lane and more than 50 feet in length, have made portions of the road impassable and quite dangerous.
At least one Albertan suffered debilitating injuries as a result of one sinkhole and is contemplating legal action against Alberta Transportation.
The Province has since improved signage at the gargantuan potholes and even erected traffic lights at two sites reducing the highway to single lane.
However, for many drivers it was too little too late.
Making matters worse, Alberta Transportation has stated the highway will not be repaired until 2012 or 2013, meaning the road will continue to deteriorate.
If this is indeed the decision of the Province the highway should be closed to motorists, except for local traffic, for safety reasons.
The sinkholes make the road unsafe and reducing a highway, which has a speed limit of 100km, to single lane in some areas is ludicrous and certainly not a long-term solution.
Unfortunately, closing the highway would be detrimental to the several businesses along that road many of which rely on the tourist traffic.
However, Secondary Highway 762 is simply unsafe in its current condition.
Regardless, closing the highway may be making formal what is already becoming an informal closure.
According to the MD of Foothills, traffic on the road has decreased significantly.
Foothills Patrol officers stated there are usually hundreds of motorbikes on the highway over a weekend, but during the August long weekend only a handful braved the trip.
The highway has become a liability. Residents and business owners should demand Alberta Transportation rectify the situation. The Province should either repair the sink holes, close the highway or at least erect large signs on the north and south end warning drivers they are using the road at their own risk.
