Overview
A functional planning study is now in progress to explore options for a future bypass from the northeast corner of Stoney Trail, east of Airdrie, to Highway 2 near Carstairs.
The Vehicle Inspection Station in Balzac northbound on Highway 2 also needs to be moved to help address traffic congestion and slowdowns in the area.
Background and current issues
Highway 2 is Alberta's primary north-south transportation corridor, linking Edmonton and Calgary while connecting to the United States at the Coutts-Sweetgrass border crossing and to British Columbia via Highway 43. As part of both the National Highway System and the CANAMEX North-South Trade Corridor, Highway 2 serves as a vital route for the movement of people and goods.
Highway 2, also known as the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Highway, between Calgary and Airdrie is currently a 6-lane divided freeway and is expected to reach capacity in the next 20 to 30 years. Plans are in place to expand the highway in this area to up to 10 lanes.
Today, approximately 125,000 vehicles travel through this corridor each day, including approximately 35,000 vehicles that travel daily near the Cross Iron Mills shopping centre. As Airdrie, Balzac and surrounding areas continue to grow, a future bypass east of Airdrie will be needed to accommodate increasing traffic demand.
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 and construction of the proposed improvements is not on the current 3-year Provincial Construction Program and remains contingent on future funding approval.
See the Highway 2: Airdrie Bypass Functional Planning Study Area.
Study focus
The study will:
- determine the best route for the future bypass
- identify where it should connect to local roads
- support municipal development
- get plans ready for right-of-way acquisition
Project parameters
At this time, neither concept options nor a recommended plan have been developed for the Highway 2 bypass alignment. Through 3 rounds of engagement in 2026 and 2027, the project team will draft, refine and finalize the concept options and recommended plan.
The project will consider:
- physical constraints
- property and access impacts
- wildlife, environmental and cultural sensitivities
- feedback from:
- Indigenous communities
- adjacent property owners
- business owners
- area residents
- area municipalities
- the public
Project goals and objectives
- Choose the best route for the new Airdrie Bypass corridor and connections.
- Find the best location for new northbound and southbound vehicle inspection and weigh scale stations on Highway 2 to take the place of the existing Balzac vehicle inspection station located on the east side of Highway 2.
- Prepare a detailed access management plan and point out where interchanges should be placed.
- Determine land or right-of-way needed along the new corridor.
- Seek stakeholder and public input throughout the study to inform the development and refinement of options and the recommended plan.
Timeline
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Phase 1 – Data collection and review: Summer/early fall 2026
Project kick-off – mid 2026
- Data collection, environmental analysis, geotechnical evaluation, traffic forecasting and needs assessment: Mid to late 2026.
- Public Open House #1 (September 2026): Introduce the project and gather feedback on key considerations.
-
Phase 2 – Option development and assessment: Early to late fall 2026
- Development of concept options: Early to late Fall 2026.
- Public Open House #2 (December 2026): Concept options are shared for public review and feedback.
-
Phase 3 – Draft recommended plan: Early to mid-2027
- Evaluate and refine options and develop recommended plan: Early to mid-2027.
- Public Open House #3 (June 2027): A recommended plan is presented for final feedback.
- Finalize recommended plan (end of 2027).
The timeline for the preliminary and detailed design and construction for the bypass is not known and will not be established until after the completion of the functional planning study and funding approval for design and construction.
Benefits
The bypass will:
- address capacity, congestion and safety issues on this section of Highway 2
- make recommendations to support safe and efficient travel as this area continues to grow
- support economic development in the area by accommodating increased traffic, which is anticipated as the region continues to develop
When completed, the study will support Transportation and Economic Corridors in future decisions and funding requirements for the next stages of the project design.
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. The project will consider input from:
- adjacent landowners and businesses
- stakeholders including:
- community groups
- City of Airdrie
- City of Calgary
- Town of Crossfield
- Rocky View County
- Mountain View County
- the public
Public engagement includes 3 rounds of engagement with one in-person open house and online engagement opportunity during each round of engagement. Engagement sessions will be held near the study area and are tentatively planned to take place in September 2026, December 2026 and June 2027.
September 2026 engagement
Interested Albertans and adjacent landowners, businesses and community groups can participate in a public information session on September 15, 2026 and the online public engagement between September 8 to 29, 2026, to learn more about the project and provide feedback to inform the development of concept options.
Public Information Session (drop-in format)
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (4 pm to 7 pm)
Balzac Community Hall Association
10075 Township Rd 262, Balzac
Online public engagement
Online survey available between September 8 to 29, 2026.
The same information will be shared at the event and online.
Contact
For further information:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Alana Getty Somers, Consultant Project Manager
ISL Engineering and Land Services
Phone: 403-254-0544
Email: [email protected]