The Alberta government has issued a tender for the construction of an overpass at the intersection of Highways 22 and 1A in Cochrane. 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,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen.

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.

The interchange will be based on a partial cloverleaf design to make best use of the area’s geography, while also accommodating future upgrades. This approach will help ensure the interchange can effectively accommodate: population changes in the area, traffic growth and transportation corridor use.

The partial cloverleaf design will meet growing traffic volumes now and in the future and provide more efficient traffic flows in the Town of Cochrane and the surrounding area, while minimizing the footprint of the interchange and cost of overpass structures.

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.

“This long-awaited project represents a significant milestone achievement in Cochrane’s roadway infrastructure,” said Jeff Genung, mayor, Town of Cochrane. “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.”