The Ministry of Transportation spoke to Fernie council trying to alleviate citizens concerns over the planned detour diverting highway traffic onto Dicken road.
Citizens raised safety concerns over construction on the Hartley Creek bridge starting in May which will divert all Highway 3 traffic the length of Dicken Road for six months.
The City of Fernie and RDEK had sent letters to the ministry of Transportation opposing the detour plan.
Consultant project manager Joel Desaulniers said they looked at a temporary overpass, but the increased cost and permitting issues made it unfeasible.
He said they will be addressing a number of the safety concerns before the detour is in effect.
“We can make an investment in Dicken Road by creating some permanent improvements to the area. it is a very narrow corridor as it is, so we are going to add width to the corridor of Dicken Road by widening shoulders, and add new line painting and new signage,” he said.
“There is a lot that needs to be done to execute this project safely and i absolutely hear the concerns.”
For more information on the upcoming project, residents can watch the full presentation during the previous council meeting.
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