Kneehill County council approved a road overlay project for Range Road 25-1, otherwise known as Gorr Road, which runs from Highway 27 north of the Town of Three Hills, to Highway 583, during the regular Tuesday, April 25 council meeting.
Council had previously pre-approved $3.2 million in late 2022 for the project, which is slated for construction this year, and an overview of the project was presented during the April 18 Committee of the Whole meeting with various options outlined for council consideration.
MPE Engineering began design engineering in November 2022 and conducted surveying of the existing road surface. The existing road surface structure of Gorr Road averages about 8.5 metres in width, slightly shy of the standard width of nine metres for paved roads in the county.
Council was informed an 80 millimetre overlay of overlay could be installed and retain the standard nine metre width due to the existing gravel shoulders along the roadway which would “allow for sufficient structure.” An overlay of 80 millimetres would still require a seasonal road ban implementation.
Installation of a 130 millimetre overlay was also suggested, though it was noted this would result in either the road surface remaining at about 8.6 metres in width-still below the standard-or would require extensive side slope enhancements; without side slope enhancements, the ditches adjacent to the road could become very steep and result in dangerous conditions for vehicles and equipment using Gorr Road.
Enhancements could also require landowner agreements and re-grading of the ditches.
Both options for the 130 millimetre overlay would result in increased project costs ranging from between $3.2 million to just under $5 million.
Council approved installation of the 80 millimetre overlay in order to maintain the standard top surface width, and continue to implement a seasonal road ban.

There is nothing like good old Alberta 4-H beef, and there is no better place to get it than the Hussar 4-H Show and Sale.
The Hussar Beef Club is holding their annual Show and Sale this coming Tuesday, May 30. This is the 60th anniversary Show and Sale and promises some of the best-looking calves on the market.
Brady Kaiser is the general leader and says they have 14 animals on the auction block including the charity calf.
The show begins at 3 p.m. at the Hussar Arena, and the Sale starts at 6 p.m. He said they have moved the date to be more convenient for buyers to come out.
“With the size of the club, we don’t really need to use a full day,” he said, adding it might be easier to get buyers to come on a weekday. “It worked in the past and we hope it will work again.”
As tough as it has been for the agriculture industry with inflation and the rising cost of feed, it also affects the young members of the club. They are facing higher expenses to raise and feed their project animals. They are hoping to fetch top dollar for their projects and encourage bidders. It’s a great way to support the community and young people who dedicated their time to raising the animals.
“Between paying into insurance, paying into the cost of running the show and sale, and paying for the calves themselves and the feed they are giving them, the costs are tough,” said Kaiser.
The club is busy getting its judges in and auctioneers in place to make for the best show and sale ever.

The club is also showing support for a local family with its charity calf.
“The funds from the fundraiser calf are going to support a local family that has gone through a medical emergency and ongoing treatment for it. So we are going to donate all the funds to it,” said Kaiser.
Mitchell Thew was diagnosed in March with liver failure. It was quickly decided he was a great candidate for a transplant and was fortunate enough to have the procedure. It is still a long road ahead for the family as he recovers.”