LAC LA BICHE - While the lines keep fading every year, the conversation about them doesn't.
At some points of Beaver Hill Road — a main driving artery in the hamlet of Lac La Biche — there are three lanes. Unfortunately, since the road was re-designed, widened and re-paved in 2011 municipal officials have had a difficult time painting that picture for motorists.
Again this year, road paint to identify centre turning lanes, restricted driving areas and centre lines has faded, painting some faces red with frustration. With no lines visible in some areas of the busy road, Lac La Biche peace officers have even been dealing with motorists who are parking their vehicles in the driving lanes to go into businesses along Beaver Hill Road.
'It would seem to be common sense that you don't park on a busy road," says Lac La Biche County councillor Colin Cote who said road signs along with road paint could get the message across.
For some who may be new to the community, says councillor Lorin Tkachuk, the wide driving area of Beaver Hill Road can be confusing.
"It can be a difficult road with that middle lane," he said.
More permanent
Lac La Biche County's senior manager of Public Works has dealt with the painted lines issue several times in recent years.
"The newer paints just don't hold out like the old stuff used to," he said, explaining that tenders have recently been issued for this year's road painting contract.
To try to avoid the ongoing issue of the lines fading, Shapka said a different kind of paint is being looked at that is more permanent and may last up to five years per application.
"Either that, or you are having to paint it two times a year," said Shapka.
