Local residents in the area southwest of Edmonton are raising concerns following the tragic death of a 69-year-old motorcyclist in a collision on Highway 627. This incident marks the fourth fatal crash on this highway in Parkland County over the past year. According to the Parkland RCMP, there have been a total of 38 collisions on Highway 627 in the last year, with five fatalities resulting from four of these crashes.

Robert Oliver, a retired veteran residing near Highway 627, highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures on the highway. Oliver pointed out that several intersections are accident-prone due to the absence of advanced green lights and speeding drivers. He emphasized the importance of making changes to ensure the safety of all road users, especially considering the potential risks faced by his family members who may need to travel on that road.

Having reached out to the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors twice, Oliver specifically advocated for the installation of advanced green lights at the Highway 627 and Highway 60 intersection. A recent two-vehicle collision at this junction claimed the lives of two Stony Plain residents, underscoring the urgency for improved safety measures.

Kevin McGillivray, the detachment commander at Parkland RCMP, acknowledged the rise in fatal collisions on Highway 627 compared to previous years. Collaborating with the Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol and Parkland County peace officers, law enforcement agencies are intensifying their enforcement efforts along Highway 627 to address the recent surge in collisions.

Highway 627 falls under the jurisdiction of Alberta Transportation, which expressed condolences to those affected by the accidents and assured cooperation with law enforcement investigations. The ministry affirmed its commitment to reviewing RCMP findings to identify potential safety enhancements for the highway and its intersections.