Highway 2 – Airdrie bypass functional planning study

Overview

A functional planning study currently underway that will explore options for a proposed future bypass from the northeast corner of Stoney Trail east of Airdrie to Highway 2 near Carstairs. The study will determine a preferred alignment of the future bypass, identify interchange connections to local roads, support municipal development and prepare plans for the right of way acquisition. An existing Vehicle Inspection Station in Balzac along northbound Highway 2 also requires relocating to address traffic congestion and slowdowns.

Highway 2, also known as Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) highway, between Calgary and Airdrie will reach capacity in the next 20 to 30 years and is currently a 6-lane divided freeway. There are plans to expand this section of Highway 2 up to 10 lanes between Calgary and Airdrie. Approximately 125,000 vehicles use this section of Highway 2 daily and about 35,000 vehicles per day travel on Highway 2 by the Cross Iron Mills shopping centre. With continuous forecasted growth in the Airdrie and Balzac communities, a future highway bypass around Airdrie will be required to accommodate increased traffic.

A proposed bypass would ultimately serve as an alternative route around the congested areas on Highway 2 and provide a more convenient connection for trucks traveling between Highway 2 (north) and Highway 1 (east). Design/construction of the proposed improvements is not on the current 3-year Provincial Construction Program and remains contingent on future funding approval.

Highway 2 is the major north-south corridor in Alberta, linking Edmonton and Calgary and connecting Alberta with the US border in the south and the British Columbia border in the north. Part of the National Highway System and the CANAMEX North South Trade Corridor, Highway 2 connects Coutts, Alberta and Sweetgrass, Montana to the BC border on Highway 43.

See the Highway 2: Airdrie Bypass Functional Planning Study Area.

Timelines

• 2026 – Planning study underway
• End of 2027 – Planning study complete with final planning report produced

*Timeline is anticipated and subject to change.

Benefits

The study will address capacity, congestion and safety issues on this section of Highway 2 and make recommendations to support safe and efficient travel as this area continues to grow. The improvements will also support economic development in the Airdrie area by accommodating increased traffic, which is anticipated as the region continues to develop.

Public engagement

Public engagement will be an important part of the planning process for the proposed bypass to keep Albertans informed and provide opportunities to share their feedback.

Contact

For further information:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)

Alana Getty Somers
ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.
Phone: 403-254-0544
Email: [email protected]