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Vol. 21, No. 39, Wednesday, July 1, 2026
More rain causes flooding, saturated fields, sink holes and road closures in Lamont County area days,” reports Lamont County BY MELISSA Communications through Public MACINTOSH-YOUNG A growing sinkhole was reported in Works Director Darby Dietz, “Lamont the southbound lane of the highway County has responded to over 30 locanear the Chipman gas station over the tions where water has crested over the weekend, adding to growing concerns adjacent road. “Depending on the location, we have about road conditions across the area following weeks of heavy rainfall. A photo shared by a local resident shows a hole opening through the pavement, with cracks spreading around the damaged section of roadway. Motorists were urged to use caution when travelling through the area and to watch for changing road conditions. The cause and extent of the Farmers fields saturated in places. damage has not yet been confirmed. Recent heavy rains have con- had to either pump water or remove tributed to flooding, drainage issues, culvert blockages. The majority of the and erosion concerns throughout locations will require only minor regravelling, however there are a handLamont County. Highway 15 at 50th Street in Chipman ful of locations that will require was closed until further notice due to a replacement of the existing culverts and re-gravelling.” road washout. “Of note,” said Dietz, “one location Motorists are asked to use the following detour: Highway 834 north of east of St. Michael will require pumping of water for at least a week and Highway 16. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the another location southeast of Chipman area, if possible, allow extra travel required the County to construct a temtime, and follow all posted detour sig- porary bridge over washed out culverts to allow adjacent residents to be nage. The report comes as Highway 15 out- able to access their homes.” County Update: Due to heavy rainside of Lamont remains closed due to fall, following road closures are in ongoing water-related road issues. The closure continues to impact trav- effect as of June 29, 2026, 3:23 p.m. el in the area as crews work to assess Lamont Leader reports the following was current Tuesday am. Check and address damage. Residents are reminded to never Lamont County website that these are attempt to drive through flooded road- current after publication. Recently Opened ways, as conditions can change quickly • TWP RD 542 between SEC HWY 834 and road surfaces may be unsafe. “As a result of the extensive rainfall and RGE RD 185 we have received over the last 10 • RGE RD 184 from TWP RD 540 to
Strathcona County, which is currently managing a series of road impacts caused by localized flooding and elevated water levels across the region. “As of Monday, over 25 roads remain closed, including key routes such as 17th Street (between Baseline Road and Petroleum Way) and 34 Street (south of 84 Avenue). We anticipate these will be temporary closures due to high water levels,” reports Strathcona. “While Clover Bar Road experienced a temporary closure under the Highway 16 overpass on Saturday, it has since reopened. “In the rural area, high water Highway sinkhole develops in Chipman. in creeks and ditches has contributed to several closures. Range New Closures • TWP RD 550 Between RGE RD 202 Road 232, north of Township Road 534 at Old Man Creek, was closed last and RGE RD 195 (SEC HWY 831) • RGE RD 202 Between TWP RD 550 week after erosion damaged the bridge culvert. The County is monitoring the and TWP RD 552 • RGE RD 174 from Hwy 45 to TWP location closely, and a re‑opening date remains unknown. RD 572 “Additional rainfall over the weekStill Closed • TWP RD 562 between RGE RD 181 end also led to a washout on Township Road 534 between Range Road 231 and and RGE RD 182 • RGE RD 180 between TWP RD 562 Highway 21, where high water levels caused the bridge culvert to fail and and TWP RD 562A • RGE RD 181 between TWP RD 562 resulted in a collapse of the roadway. This location will remain closed while and TWP RD 564 • RGE RD 162 North of TWP RD 584 crews assess the full extent of the damage and determine repair require(dead end) • TWP RD 584 between RGE RD 161 ments. “Crews continue to monitor condiand RGE RD 160 • RGE RD 160 between TWP RD 582 tions closely. Roads will be reopened gradually as water levels recede and and TWP RD 580 • RGE RD 160 between TWP RD 580 each location is inspected to ensure it is safe for public use. Many stormwater and TWP RD 574 • TWP RD 552 between SEC HWY 831 facilities remain at elevated levels, and with additional rainfall expected and HWY 15 • RR 180 between Hwy 45 and Twp 564 throughout the week, recovery will The problem persists in neighbouring take time.” TWP RD 542 is open (proceed with caution) • RGE RD 183 between TWP RD 560 and TWP RD 562 Use Caution • TWP RD 562 between RGE RD 171 and RGE RD 172