HYTHE, Alta. — The functional planning study is complete and much to the disappointment of many residents of the communities of Hythe and Beaverlodge, Hwy. 43 will bypass their towns altogether.

Alberta Transportation has submitted the finished study to the minister for approval, complete with Earth Tech’s suggestion that the twinned highway run south of Beaverlodge and north of Hythe.

Residents of those communities say they rely heavily on Hwy. 43 traffic — especially truckers — to keep the communities viable.

The Friends of Hwy. 43 are also opposed to the plan to bypass those communities, but it appears the province intends to follow the suggestions outlined in the study.