In the vicinity of Edmonton’s southwest, a tragic collision on Highway 627 resulted in the death of a 69-year-old motorcyclist, sparking demands from local residents for enhanced safety precautions. This incident marks the fourth fatal crash on this stretch of highway in Parkland County within the past year.
According to Parkland RCMP, there have been a total of 38 reported collisions on Highway 627 over the last year, with five people losing their lives in four fatal accidents. Robert Oliver, a retired 30-year veteran residing near Highway 627, expressed concerns about the highway’s safety, attributing potential accidents to the absence of advanced green lights at various intersections and speeding motorists.
Oliver has urged the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors to consider installing advanced green lights at the junction of Highway 627 and Highway 60 to enhance safety measures. A collision on July 16 at the same intersection claimed the lives of a 69-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from Stony Plain.
In response to the escalating number of fatal incidents on Highway 627, Kevin McGillivray, the detachment commander at Parkland RCMP, highlighted an increased focus on enforcement efforts in collaboration with Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol and Parkland County community peace officers. The highway falls under the jurisdiction of Alberta Transportation.
A Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors spokesperson extended condolences to those affected by the collisions and emphasized ongoing cooperation with law enforcement agencies to investigate the circumstances. The ministry pledged to assess the outcomes of RCMP investigations to identify potential safety enhancements for Highway 627 and its intersections.