Construction zone on Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, June 9, 2022. (Photo: LNN)

By Mario Cabradilla

City officials urge motorists to stop ignoring construction zone laws

Jun 9, 2022 | 12:39 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is asking residents to drive with caution in construction zones.

Many construction workers and drivers in Alberta are injured and killed in construction zones every year, according to Juliane Ruck, the Lethbridge Transportation Operations Manager.

“Our crews have experienced a lot of issues where drivers drive through barricaded construction zones, ignore cones, ignore signs, ignore the flag person,” said Ruck. “There were even incidents of people driving into zones where the electrical department works with hot wire.”

During a news conference June 9, 2022, Ruck said, “We just want to communicate and remind everybody to be safe.”

The Lethbridge Police Service is also reminding residents about the consequences of disregarding rules in construction zones.

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Some of the most common offenses are motorists going around barricades, according to Daniel Lomness with the Lethbridge Police Service Traffic Response Unit. Lomness said this could result in a fine between $162 and $243.

Other traffic law implications include fines doubled for drivers who speed through construction zones, as well as demerit points applied to convicted drivers’ records.

City officials could not confirm exact completion dates for the construction on Mayor Magrath Drive South or Scenic Drive South, because the work is weather dependent.

The city also reminds residents that road construction projects may impact services such as transit or waste and recycling pickup. For more information, visit the City of Lethbridge website.

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