Highway 1A Improvements

DESCRIPTION

The Highway 1A improvements Project is a long-awaited upgrade to the Highway 1A corridor through Cochrane from east of Centre Avenue to west of Fifth Avenue. The project includes: 

• widening from two lanes to four lanes from east of Centre Avenue to west of Fifth Avenue
• realignment of Fourth Ave to Fifth Ave
• new access, parking and turning lanes for Sixth Ave W businesses
• improved pedestrian network with a new sidewalk and a paved multi-use pathway

BACKGROUND

Widening highway 1A has long been a priority for both the Province and Town of Cochrane and is an important piece of Cochrane’s Traffic Plan. This project was approved in the fall of 2020, as Council recognized an opportunity to utilize Provincial grant funding to support these roadway improvements. 

When complete, it will provide a much-needed improvement to the highway corridor that is experiencing heavy congestion for both local and regional users. The project will also include additional pathways and crosswalks, ensuring a safer experience for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. 

View the full project on our interactive map built by Cochrane GIS

LOCATION

Highway 1A corridor through Cochrane from east of Centre Avenue to west of Fifth Avenue.

UPDATES 

• August 16, 2022: Second Street West Roadway and Parking Area Construction

  Starting the week of August 22, 2022, construction will begin on the new roadway and parking area in front of Second Street West and should take approximately one week to complete.

   Temporary parking zones for customers and employees will be established along the newly paved lanes of Hwy 1A and the new access to Second Street as shown on the image with red dots. Pedestrian access will be established in coordination with the work taking place each day. Deliveries can be coordinated with the flaggers on site if required.  Map

• July 21, 2022: Hwy 1A and Centre Avenue Traffic Changes 

  Starting the evening of Monday, July 25 and overnight, the traffic through the intersection of Hwy 1A and Centre Avenue will be changed to the new alignment with new signal lights, including the new access to Third Street West.

  This activity will also involve the removal of the old traffic lights and wooden poles. During this time, there will be traffic disruptions and multiple alterations of traffic lane routing. If possible, please consider taking an alternative route.

  Please obey traffic signs and instructions from the flaggers and drive with caution.

• Jul 6, 2022: Retaining Wall Construction

  Construction of the main retaining wall for the Fourth Avenue to Fifth Avenue realignment begins this week.

  Taken just prior to construction, this perspective view shows how the new “S” curve realignment will direct traffic onto Fifth Avenue and all the way through to Griffin Road.

  Short traffic interruptions, up to 5 minutes, along Fourth Avenue north of the highway, will occur for concrete delivery and reinforcing cage hoisting. 

  Please keep a safe distance from the work and follow instructions from flaggers and signage.

  Reference Image   Photo credit: Bill Marsh Photography

• Jun 24, 2022: Centre Avenue Median Construction

  Construction of the median along Centre Avenue between Hwy 1A and second Avenue will begin next week, weather permitting.

  The work includes pavement removal and curbing construction. The work will reduce the roadway to one lane in each direction for about 2 weeks.

  During construction drivers should expect delays with personnel and equipment working on the roadway.

  Please drive with caution and follow instruction of flaggers and signage.

• Nov 2021: Release: First Phase of Highway 1A Project Complete

• Sep 2021: Paving from the east end of the project to Centre Ave began. This aerial video provides a bird’s eye view of the preparation work

• Aug 2021: 2021 Project Progress

• June 2021: Cochrane and the Province celebrate the sod turning

• Watch the flyover video to see what it looks like!

SCHEDULE

• Construction commenced: June 2021 
• Estimated completion: Fall 2022

BUDGET

Total project budget: $27.2M 

• Phase 1: $15.9M 
• Phase 2: $11.4M

HOW WILL THIS PROJECT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY?

Traffic on the hill and along Highway 1A continues to challenge our community. When complete, this work paves the way for streamlined traffic flow along Highway 1A and through the Highway 1A/22 interchange. 

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT

This project supports Council's strategic priority of community connectivity, and specifically, advocating for Highway 1A improvements within the Town boundaries, including Centre Avenue and 5th Avenue intersections.