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 

• Nov 22, 2022: HWY 1A IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: UPDATE

  -  4 lanes of traffic on Hwy 1A opened east of 4th Ave to the Big Hill

  -  2 lanes of traffic on Hwy 1A open west of 4th Ave

  -   Both Hwy 1A intersections at 4th Ave and 5th Ave open over the winter

  Work on the 4th Ave wall will continue through the winter and the new pedestrian pathways will be open and cleared of snow.

  The progress that has been made to this point has enhanced traffic flow through Cochrane and will continue to increase community connectivity. 

  This major project has had an impact on everyone in the community; thank you for your patience and understanding, Cochrane.  Illustration of work completed

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

SCHEDULE

• Construction commenced: June 2021 
• Estimated completion: 2023

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.