Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that the province’s roads and highways are safe for travellers. The intersection of Highways 22 and 1A in Cochrane is very busy. Highway 22 is an important route for the movement of goods and services; and Highway 1A is key for both commercial truckers and visitors.
Alberta’s government has issued a tender for the construction of an overpass at this busy intersection. The project will improve the flow of traffic along the Highway 22 corridor and make both highways safer for all travellers.
“This intersection has long been a source of frustration, not only for Cochrane residents, but also for commercial carriers and the thousands of people who use Highway 22 to travel to tourist destinations such as Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountains. This interchange will eliminate congestion and improve travel times.”
“This new interchange is greatly needed in our community. Moving this project forward was one of my top priorities as MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane, and I’m thrilled to see the momentum continuing. Our government will work diligently to get shovels in the ground and the project completed as soon as possible.”
“This long-awaited project represents a significant milestone achievement in Cochrane’s roadway infrastructure. We have made substantial investments in our local roads, bridges and transit to enhance community connectivity. This provincial project is an integral component in our vision to deliver effective local and regional transportation. It takes the work of many hands over many years pulling together in the same direction for a major infrastructure project of the magnitude of the Highway 1A/22 interchange. And while this project has long been identified as a provincial priority, it is both gratifying and a relief to see the project out for tender and work anticipated to begin in 2023.”
When complete the project will include:
- A twin overpass (north and southbound) over Highway 1A and the CP Rail tracks.
- Twinning of Highway 1A under the overpass.
- Roundabouts and ramps to access both Highway 22 and Highway 1A.
- A bridge on Highway 1A over Big Hill Creek.
Now that a tender has been issued, construction is expected to begin in spring 2023 after a contract is signed. It is estimated that the interchange will take about three years to complete.
Quick facts
- On average, 29,200 vehicles per day use the Highway 1A and Highway 22 intersection.
- From Highway 1A, 12,500 vehicles per day enter the intersection.
- From Highway 22, 16,700 vehicles per day enter the intersection.
- Highway 1A is an important route for the forestry industry, local ranchers and visitors travelling to Kananaskis Country and the Rocky Mountains.
- Highway 22 is an important transportation corridor for the movement of goods and services and for the tourism industry.