Construction
Foothills County employs a small core group of full time employees complimented by seasonal staff during the summer months. Most of our construction projects are completed by Foothills County with some of the larger projects being tendered out as per legislation.
Potholes that develop on hard surfaced roads are a fact of life in our climate. Freeze thaw cycles and rainy weather all contribute to the development of potholes (as does the amount of traffic on a road). The majorities of potholes develop around the spring thaw period but do continue to develop in periods when there is a significant amount of moisture.
The County has three dedicated patching crews that commence work in the early spring and carries on until the fall freeze up. Additional forces are put to work assisting in the pothole repair program during the most prevalent pothole times.
To report a pothole call Public Works Aldersyde Shop on 403-652-2390 or email Public Works. If it is an emergency after hours, please call 1-888-808-3722.
Foothills County Public Works Department is responsible for the removal of snow on all County roads.
Equipment available for these jobs includes:
- 10 road graders equipped with snow-wings and V-plows
- 7 high-way plow sander units
- 2 smaller subdivision plow sander units
- 3 tracked machines
The graders are used on gravel surfaces, the trucks are used on asphalt / oiled surfaces and the tracked machines are available for isolated drifting.
Priorities
Foothills County is responsible for approximately 1400 kilometers of graveled local roads and 850 kilometers of asphalt / oiled surfaced roads. To adequately maintain this significant road network a priority system has been developed for both major and minor snowfalls that quickly provides service to the greatest number of motorists.
Snowplowing a Major Roadway
a) Major Snowfall
During a major snowfall event the following order of priority for snow removal is
used:- Arterial Roads
- Collector Roads
- Local and Subdivision Roads
- Community Halls, Church Parking Lots
During an intense or heavy snowstorm, where there is an urgency to clear the main
roads quickly, the snowplow operator may leave a "ridge" in front of some approach
roads. Though avoided if at all possible this is occasionally a part of winter life.The ridges could be minimized if residents would ensure any snow piled on their
approaches as a result of their own driveway clearing operations is placed on
the right hand side of the approach as they are exiting their property.In most circumstances the entire road system can be completed in three days; however
the type, depth and intensity of a snowstorm can alter this goal. Snow ridges greater
than 250mm or 10 inches will be removed after the road system is completed.b) Minor Snowfall
If snowfall amounts do not seriously hinder motorists another strategy has been
adopted for snow removal.- Critical Areas or Roads requiring special attention (Drifting, Schools)
- Regular Route as assigned
- Community Halls, Church Parking Lots
It is important to note that with each minor snowfall occurrence the grader
operator attempts to vary the commencement point of the route to equalize
service to all ratepayers on the route.c) Private Driveways
Foothills County is not involved with snow plowing of private driveways. There are
numerous private contractors who can be contacted regarding private driveway
maintenance.Remember: Winter conditions require safe winter driving practices please drive carefully and in accordance with road conditions.
Fortis Alberta has launched a new Streetlight Repair Map. With this map, you can view streetlights in Fortis Alberta’s service area and request a repair online within minutes. The map was designed with you in mind, to be user-friendly, simple and easy to use. Once a streetlight repair request is submitted, a service order is automatically generated to facilitate repairs.
Interested in learning how to use the new Streetlight Repair Map?
View Fortis Alberta’s online video tutorialPlease check back for current construction projects