Roads

With over 300 km of roads, the Cochrane Roads team works to maintain safe, efficient travel year-round. Their efforts reduce economic impact and help prevent accidents by ensuring roadways are in optimal condition.

Key Road Maintenance Activities:

  • Snow and ice control: Ensures roads are safe during winter months.
  • Street signage and traffic signal maintenance: Keeps road signs and signals in proper working order.
  • Street sweeping: Maintains clean and debris-free roads.
  • Boulevard and ditch maintenance: Keeps roadside areas clear and well-maintained.
  • Grading gravel roads and dust control: Improves visibility and driving conditions on gravel surfaces.
  • Road markings: Updates lane markings for clear traffic flow.
  • Capital upgrades: Implements street improvements through funding projects.
  • Guardrail and fencing repairs: Maintains critical roadside safety features.

Sidewalks, Bridges, and Traffic Infrastructure

Cochrane also maintains a network of pedestrian and traffic infrastructure to enhance safety and accessibility:

  • Sidewalks: 149 km are inspected annually for trip hazards, damages, and repairs.
  • Bridges: Three bridges are monitored and maintained regularly.
  • Sound walls: 506 meters of sound walls contribute to noise reduction.
  • Traffic lights: Cochrane has 10 traffic lights, managed within town limits, while lights on Hwy 1A and Hwy 22 are maintained by Volker Stevin on behalf of Alberta Transportation. 

Navigating roundabouts

Roundabouts are an increasingly common feature in Cochrane and across Alberta. Understanding the rules ensures safe, efficient movement through these intersections

How to use a roundabout


Enhanced pedestrian crosswalks

To improve pedestrian safety, Cochrane uses enhanced crosswalks with solar-powered flashing lights. There are currently 37 enhanced crosswalks, with plans to add three more each year as budget allows.

Suggest a location: To recommend a new crosswalk enhancement, contact Roads or call Operational Facilities at 403-851-2590. 

Evaluation criteria for new crosswalks:

  • Meets Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Pedestrian Control Guide standards
  • Proximity to schools, playgrounds, seniors’ facilities
  • Pathway connections and collision history

Locations are also subject to change based on budgets and emerging priorities.


Policies & procedures

Cochrane’s policies and procedures ensure effective service and safety on critical roadways. The priority is to maintain clear and accessible routes for emergency services including Fire, EMS, and RCMP, as well as essential traffic flow.

  • Emergency routes: Priority service on routes used by emergency vehicles to ensure fast response times.
  • Major arterial roads: Service is prioritized on main roads that support high traffic volumes.
  • Key network streets: Additional selected streets are included to maintain safe, orderly traffic flow throughout Cochrane.

These prioritized routes are essential for both everyday travel and emergency situations, contributing to an efficient and safe transportation network in Cochrane.


Traffic concerns

Roads FAQs

Winter Road FAQs

Flooded roads FAQs

Additional information

  • Highways: Alberta Transportation maintains Highways 1A and 22 through Volker Stevin 

    Volker Stevin 
  • Alleys: help us maintain your alleys by keeping them clear of debris, furniture, parked cars, trailers and carts 
  • Street lights: report a streetlight for repair through the Fortis Streetlight Form or call 310-WIRE (9473)

    Fortis Streetlight Form