Elk Point – Drivers can expect an increased RCMP presence on detour routes through the County of St. Paul as a section of Highway 41 closes for approximately four weeks for emergency repairs.

Alberta Transportation announced Highway 41 will be temporarily closed about 1.5 kilometres north of Highway 29 while crews build a bypass and repair a portion of collapsed roadway.

“We want the public to understand that we will be ensuring safety and enforcement on the detour routes,” said Sgt. Mike Dunsmore, acting detachment commander of Elk Point RCMP. “We want the public to understand that the safety of those roads, as well as the workers on Highway 41, remain the main goal regarding this initiative.”

The established detour will direct traffic along Highway 881 and Highways 28 and 29.

During the closure, Elk Point RCMP and St. Paul Traffic Services will conduct additional patrols, with particular attention being paid to industry traffic using roads through the County of St. Paul.

Police say officers will be checking to ensure industry traffic is properly authorized to use those routes.

The Highway 41 closure is expected to remain in place for approximately four weeks while the temporary bypass is constructed and repairs to the collapsed section of roadway are completed.