I have a business in small town/rural Alberta and would like to put a sign on the highway advertising it. What do I do?

If your business is in a small town, you are only permitted to advertise along the highway through the Community Business Sign Program. These signs are installed at the entrances to communities to inform motorists about business and services. Any person, company or group may obtain a permit for installing a community business sign within the highway right-of-way. Any business complying with local licensing requirements and located within a community is eligible for a community business panel that will display a name and logo.

If your business is in rural Alberta, you have two options for advertising along the highway:

1. Standard signs with approved symbols can be installed inside the highway right-of-way at the nearest access point to the business. 2. More detailed signs are only permitted outside the highway right-of-way at the nearest access point to the business.

To obtain permit form to install a sign inside or outside the highway right-of-way:

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation reviews and approves all sign applications. If you have any questions about application procedures or signs in general, please contact your Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation district office.

Where do I find information on road conditions?

Visit the Alberta Motor Association's (AMA) website and click on road reports under quick links, or call the Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation Information Line 427-2731 (during business hours) for the phone number for the AMA road reports in your area. Follow media for current and forecast conditions.

Who is responsible for maintaining the highways?

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of all provincial highways. Highway maintenance contractors are hired to carry out the work and must comply with guidelines set by the province. Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation oversees the work to ensure it meets high standards and is carried out efficiently and safely.

How do I report potholes or other concerns related to highway maintenance?

If you have concerns about the maintenance of a highway, contact your local highway maintenance contractor or your local Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation district office.

How much does the province spend on highway maintenance each year?

Alberta spends about $179 million a year on highway maintenance.

My company is interested in bidding on highway maintenance work. How do we do this?

Highway maintenance contracts last for five years and are renewed at different times. Approximately a year and a half before a highway maintenance contract ends, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation places a Request for Proposal advertisement in newspapers throughout the province and on the Internet through MERX and Coolnet to alert businesses who may wish to submit a proposal for a highway maintenance contract. For further information on highway maintenance contracts call Jim Harvey, Director of Tender Administration at (780) 415-1069. For toll-free calls outside Edmonton dial 310-0000.

Why are the signs to reduce speed located so many kilometres before you get to a construction zone?

Posting speed reduction signs through construction zones is at the discretion of the construction contractor and project engineer. Signs often are placed several kilometres in front of the actual construction zone to allow larger vehicles more time to slow down. The location of signs also depends on the type of construction activity.

Why should I slow down for construction zones when there is no work being done?

Even if it seems there is no activity in a construction zone, there may be other less obvious hazards such as loose gravel chips and uneven pavement that can be dangerous and cause damage to vehicles travelling at high speeds. Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation urges motorists to obey all signs and slow down when going through construction zones.

How do I get a job as a flag person for highway construction/maintenance projects?

Highway construction/maintenance contractors are responsible for hiring their own construction/maintenance crews, including qualified flag persons. If you have the required training and wish to inquire about employment please contact the construction and maintenance contractors in your area. For information on construction and maintenance projects in the area please contact the local Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation district office.

For provincial highway projects, flag persons must have completed a training course and be certified by the Alberta Construction Safety Association. Several private construction companies have certified trainers who train their own staff to become qualified flag persons. There are also courses offered by colleges, organizations and private schools. For more information on training and certification, contact the Alberta Construction Safety Association at 1-800-661-2272.

I'm a farmer and I want to hay the right-of-way. What do I do?

Farmers who want to hay the right-of-way require a special permit from Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation. The landowner adjacent to the highway has the first right to hay. If the landowner does not want to, the opportunity is extended to others on a first-come-first-served basis. Farmers who choose to hay the right-of-way must ensure it is done appropriately.

For more information, please contact your local Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation district office.

I want to cut the grass in the highway right-of-way so it looks better. What do I do?

If you are a landowner whose property is adjacent to a provincial highway you may mow the right-of-way for aesthetic purposes, only if you have approval from Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation regional/district office.

For more information, please contact your local Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation district office.

What is the North-South Trade Corridor?

The North-South Trade Corridor is an important part of the CANAMEX Trade Corridor, which links Canada, the United States, and Mexico with a 6,000-kilometre stretch of highway from Alaska to Mexico City. Since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed in 1993, Alberta's trade with the United States has increased by 400 percent and trade with Mexico has jumped by a whopping 900 percent.

The 1,175-kilometre four-lane corridor connects Alberta with the U.S. at Coutts, extends to the B.C. border west of Grande Prairie, and provides access to the Alaska Highway. Major progress has been made on two significant components of the corridor, including Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton and Deerfoot Trail in Calgary.

The North-South Trade Corridor remains a top priority in Alberta at a projected cost of $1.4 billion.

How does Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation work to reduce the impact of highway construction on wildlife and the environment?

In July 2001, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation implemented the Environmental Construction Operations Plan (ECO Plan) to ensure the high quality of Alberta's environment is maintained during construction activities. Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation works closely with environmental consultants, Alberta Environment, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and others to ensure all environmental issues are addressed and that construction complies with all regulatory agencies' permits.

My group is interested in participating in the province's Highway Clean-Up Day. How can we find out more information?

Each spring, thousands of Albertans participate in the annual highway clean-up, including members of 4-H Clubs, Junior Forest Wardens, Scouts Canada and other not-for-profit community groups. Participants must be at least nine years old and there must be one adult supervisor for every two children.

Clean-up work is done in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation's highway maintenance contractors who collect the garbage bags. Workers receive $43.50 per kilometre for cleaning both sides of the rights-of-way within 16 kilometes of cities or towns with populations greater than 5,000. Outside the 16-kilometre area, workers are paid $22.50 per kilometre for cleaning both sides of the rights-of-way.

For more information contact your local Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation district office.

What is the replacement value of the provincial highway network?

The replacement value is estimated to be $19.6 billion.

How many kilometres of roads are there in Alberta?

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation is responsible for maintaining approximately 30,000 kilometres of provincial highways. In addition, there are approximately 137,298 kilometres of roads maintained by municipalities.

How many bridges are there in the province?

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation is responsible for approximately 3,767 bridge structures. In addition, there are approximately 8,675 bridge structures on municipal roads.

Where can I find the Traffic Safety Act?

You can find the Traffic Safety Act online at Queen's Printer.

Where can I get information on school bus traffic safety for children?

By visiting the traffic safety initiative's website or call (780) 427-8901. Outside of Edmonton dial 310-0000.

Who can I call to obtain more information about the safe installation of child car seats?

Contact Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Traffic Safety Services, by calling (780) 427-8901. Outside of Edmonton, dial 310-0000.

Where can I get general information on impaired driving?

By visiting the traffic safety initiative's website or call (780) 427-8901. Outside of Edmonton dial 310-0000.

Where do I get a driver's licence in Alberta?

If you are moving to Alberta, and have a driver's licence from another Canadian province, visit any Alberta Registry office and complete an application. If you do not have a driver's licence, visit any Alberta Registry office and make arrangements to take a driving test.

I have just moved to Alberta from another province. How long do I have until I have to get Alberta plates on my car and an Alberta driver's licence?

Both the plates and the driver's licence from another Canadian province will be valid in Alberta for three months from the time you take up residence here.

I have just bought a vehicle and find it is not safe. What should I do and whom do I contact?

If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer you should chronologically document your complaint and provide copies of any expert opinions (from a certified Automotive or Autobody Technician) that support the view that the vehicle is unsafe to: Manager, Motor Vehicle Inspection Program, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Main Floor, 4999-98 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3 or telephone (780) 427-8901, fax (780) 422-2721. Also contact AMVIC, # 303, 9945-50th Street, Edmonton, AB T6A 0L4 or telephone (780) 466-1140. The Investigation Toll-Free number is 1-877-979-8100.

If you purchased the vehicle "privately" you should chronologically document your complaint and provide copies of any expert opinions (from a certified Automotive or Autobody Technician) that support the view that the vehicle is unsafe to Manager, Motor Vehicle Inspection Program, Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, Main Floor, 4999-98 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3 or telephone (780) 427-8901, fax (780) 422-2721.

You should also immediately explore legal recourse to recover your investment through Small Claims Court (Maximum $25,000) or with legal counsel for amounts exceeding the Small Claims Court limit.

How do I get a permit to take heavy equipment on the road/highway?

Call Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation/s Central Permitting Line. If calling from within the province of Alberta please dial 1-800-662-7138. If calling from outside of Alberta dial (403) 342-7138.

I heard there is a federal/provincial/municipal program that will help my municipality improve its infrastructure. How do I apply for a grant from this program?

This program is called the Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program (ICAP) and is administered by a Secretariat. Application forms and information are available from the Secretariat by calling toll free 1-800-396-0214 or (780) 422-1151, by fax at (780) 427-5505 or by writing the Program Office: Infrastructure Canada-Alberta Program, 2nd Floor, Twin Atria Building, 4999-98 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3. Application information and forms are also available on ICAP's website.

What is graduated drivers licensing?

Graduated driver licensing is a program designed to ensure all new drivers acquire the good driving skills, habits and experience they need to become responsible drivers before they are issued an unrestricted driver's licence.

This program includes all new drivers regardless of age, who do not hold any class of Alberta Operator's Licence. This also includes individuals from other jurisdictions who would have to meet the requirements for full licensing.

The minimum learning or licensing age for a Class 7 (learner) licence will remain at 14 and at 16 to learn to ride a motorcycle. A learner must be accompanied by a fully licenced driver (non-probationary) at least 18 years-of-age who is seated next to the driver. A learner can drive between 5 a.m. and midnight and during daylight hours for motorcycles.

Conditions for both the learner and probationary drivers include: zero tolerance of alcohol, no more passengers than seatbelts, and lower demerit point threshold than licenced drivers.

For more information visit http://www.saferoads.com or call Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (780) 427-8901. Outside of Edmonton dial 310-0000.

Why do we allow all these huge trucks to drive on our highways and wreck them?

Long Combination Vehicles (LCVs) are the largest vehicles that are allowed to operate on Alberta's highways. LCVs are confined to certain approved highways and may only operate during designated hours and road conditions. A recent four-year-study compared vehicle size and damage done to our highways and concluded that if the same amount of freight is being transported, smaller vehicles cumulatively damage highways to greater extents than LCVs.

Is there a limit as to what I can tow behind my car? Can I tow more if I have a bigger vehicle?

Trailer towing prohibitions are contained in Section 86 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation, Alberta Regulation 322/2002. In addition to these rules, a vehicle owner should never tow a trailer that would cause the manufacturer's Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR - the combined weight of the power unit and trailer) to be exceeded.

What do you do with the money you collect from photo radar fines?

Payment is made to the Minister of Finance as speeding offences are under the Traffic Safety Act, sections 115 (2) (p) and (r). Fine money is returned to the municipality where the traffic offence occurred. The province retains a portion of each fine to offset the costs of processing the payments through the courts system. Each fine is also subject to a 15 per cent surcharge, which goes into the Victims of Crime Fund.

Is the government going to ban the use of cell phones while driving?

Alberta continues to study the issue of cell phones and driver distraction in general. We recognize that cell phones are a distraction but there are other distractions, such as putting on make-up or changing radio stations while driving. We will continue to educate people about avoiding distractions while driving.

Taking away my driver's licence before I am tried for impaired driving infringes on my constitutional rights. Are you going to change the legislation?

Drinking and driving in Alberta is not acceptable and to further fight drinking and driving the Alberta Administrative License Suspension program went into effect December 1999. When a person provides a breath sample of over .08 mgs or refuses to provide a breath sample, that person will have their operator's licence automatically suspended for 90 days. Driving is a privilege not a right.

For further information contact the Transportation Safety Board in Edmonton at (780) 427-7178 or in Calgary at (403) 297-3466.

Why does the new policy make it harder to obtain a parking placard for persons with disabilities? Where can I apply for a placard or renew my current placard?

The eligibility criteria were changed to ensure those with the greatest needs could access the designated parking spots required to fully participate in the community. Under the former criteria, those with greater needs often found designated parking spots being used by people whose needs were questionable. The new criteria are also consistent with those found in other provinces. Application forms are available from any Alberta Registry Agent or may be downloaded from this web site.

I have a vehicle or trailer that does not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and I need to register it. How can I obtain a VIN plate for my vehicle or trailer?

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation, in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) are responsible for administering the Alberta Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Program. This program provides an “official” VIN to a vehicle or trailer whose manufacturer’s VIN has been lost, damaged, etc., or to a home-built or amalgamated vehicle or trailer that does not have a manufacturer’s VIN.

What are the weather stations/cameras along some of the provincial highways?  They appear to have wind speed monitors, so I suspect they may be part of a weather network.   Is this information available on the internet?

These weather stations/cameras are part of Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation's Road Weather Information System (RWIS) and will provide information on the current weather conditions and pavement temperatures.  This information will be used by operations and maintenance staff to plan winter maintenance activities.  At some point in the future, as bandwidth permits, the information will be made available online.

The following link, http://www.cshrp.org/products/brief-20.pdf has some information on the towers and the role they play in winter maintenance.

When do you expect to complete the Anthony Henday overpass over Stony Plain road?

The department is exploring different interchange configurations that may be considered for this location with the premise that Anthony Henday traffic would run in a free flow condition (i.e. no signals).  Presently, an interchange at this location is not contemplated in our construction planning.  The interchange will be constructed once traffic demand and budgets warrant.  Since this will be a provincial project, funding for the urban programs will be balanced with priorities across the whole province.