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1. What is the Hwy 1A improvement project?

The Hwy 1A Improvement Project is a long-awaited upgrade to the Hwy 1A corridor through Cochrane from east of Centre Avenue to west of Fifth Avenue. The project includes widening from two lanes to four lanes (two eastbound and two westbound), as well as pathways and sidewalks on the north and south sides. In addition to changes to Hwy 1A, accesses to side streets through the area will be modified to improve traffic flow, safety and alignment with Alberta Transportation requirements.

2. When does construction start?

Construction is planned to start in the spring of 2021, with an estimated completion date of Fall 2022.

3. How will traffic be re-routed while construction is taking place?

A number of detours are planned to keep traffic flowing. We’ll provide regular updates during construction.

4. Does the project include additional options for pedestrian traffic?

Yes, as part of this project a regional, multi-user pathway will be constructed on the north side of Hwy 1A and a sidewalk will be constructed on the south side of the highway.

5. How much will the project cost?

The total project budget is $13.9m:

• $900,000: Engineering and Planning (2020)
• $8.6m: Complete Hwy transportation upgrades (2021)
• $3.1m: Realignment of Fourth Ave to Fifth Ave (2021)
• $885,000: Allowance for Town enhancements on Hwy transportation upgrades (2022)
• $275,000: Additional construction and engineering (2022)

6. Since the Town is paying for this project, will my taxes go up?

This project is being funded from a provincial Municipal Stimulus Funding (MSP) grant, offsite levies (fees charged to developers) and tax-supported debt. Principal and interest payments on the debt will be funded from taxes.

Total project cost is funded as follows:

• $3,480,131 from the Provincial Municipal Stimulus Program grant
• $6,966,000 from transportation off-site levies
• $2,453,869 from tax-supported debt
• $900,000 from 2020 capital budget

7. Why is the Town paying for improvements to a provincial highway?

The Town and the province have long recognized the need for improvements to Hwy 1A through Cochrane. The Town recognized that the province would not be able to fund both the Hwy 1A/22 interchange project and the Hwy 1A project — so the Town is using MSP funding to support the Hwy 1A project before construction starts on the Hwy 1A/22 interchange.

8. Who approved the project?

The project and budget were approved by Town Council at the October 26, 2020 Council meeting. The borrowing bylaw was approved by Council at the November 9, 2020 Town Council meeting.

9. Why isn’t the Town taking over the Hwy 1A/22 interchange project too?

The Hwy 1A/22 interchange project is estimated to cost more than $60m. If the Town were to fund and construct it, there would be a significant increase to property taxes. The province recognizes the value of this project and has committed to funding this project. Work is anticipated to begin in 2022.

10. Are homes being expropriated for this work?

Properties identified as being in the highway right-of-way for expansion were identified and acquired by Alberta Transportation a number of years ago.

11. Will the speed limit on Hwy 1A change once the work is complete?

The speed limit on Hwy 1A through Cochrane will remain at 50 kph.

12. Will the speed limit change?

The speed limits along Hwy 1A and adjoining roadways will remain the same as they are today with the exception of Fourth Avenue West north of Hwy 1A, which will be reduced to 30km/hr from Hwy 1A up the hill to the schools.  Signs will be posted to ensure drivers are aware of the speed limits.