Camrose County’s annual shoulder pulling program has begun, with crews from Road to Rail Construction Ltd. having completed work on Range Road 222 between Highway 21 and Highway 616. The work, which started on May 19 and ran until June 4, is the first of four segments planned across the county’s gravel road network through August. At the same time, the City of Camrose is moving ahead with 10 major construction projects valued at about $11.6 million, including a major rebuild of Marler Drive that will disrupt traffic until October.
Shoulder pulling restores the shape of gravel roads by moving material from the edges back onto the driving surface, which improves drainage and extends the road’s life. According to Camrose County, the method cuts costs by more than 40 per cent and takes 80 per cent less time than a full rebuild. “Camrose County has 2600 km of roads, most of which are gravel,” notes the county, and contracting this work to a specialized company has been a key part of its maintenance strategy since 2013.
The remaining shoulder pulling segments are scheduled as follows: Range Road 222 from Highway 616 to Township Road 462 runs June 5 to June 26; Range Road 223 from Highway 13 to Township Road 462 runs June 30 to July 24; and Township Road 460 from Range Road 200 to Range Road 205 is set for July 28 to August 17. All dates are weather permitting, and residents along these roads can expect crews and equipment during daytime hours.
Residents affected by the work receive notification letters with project details and contact information for concerns. The county’s upcoming construction page also provides updates, including on the New Norway water and sewer main replacement project on Dominion Street, which is planned for later this summer with a start date still to be confirmed. County council approved a 2026 capital budget of $11,983,479, with $2,280,444 coming from municipal taxes.
In the city, 10 construction projects are underway or about to start. The largest is the Marler Drive Phase 2B reconstruction, valued at $3,808,000, which includes replacing underground utilities and rebuilding the roadway. Drivers should plan alternate routes, as the project will cause ongoing disruptions through October. Other city projects focus on water and sewer upgrades, road rehabilitation, and intersection improvements.
Both municipalities prioritize work based on the greatest need, available alternative roads, and road condition relative to traffic. Camrose County Manager of Public Works Zach Mazure oversees the rural road program, while City of Camrose Engineering Services manages the urban projects. Residents with questions can contact the county at [email protected] or the city at [email protected].
