Alberta Transportation has requested an update to the Functional Planning Study for a portion of Highway 22. Here's why:
BACKGROUND
In 2003, the Highway 22 and Highway 1A Access Management & Functional Planning Study was approved by Alberta Transportation, setting a 20-year horizon for the future of the two primary highways.
The Study confirmed the long-range function, classification and design standards for both highways and determined future configurations, Right-of-Way (ROW) requirements, and an Access Management Strategy for the corridors.
CURRENT SITUATION
At the request of Alberta Transportation, Watt Consulting Group is leading an update to the Study for a portion of Highway 22; from south of the Bow River to the future Township Road 254, just south of the Town of Cochrane limits.
The Study update will align with the direction set out in Connecting Cochrane, the Town of Cochrane’s Transportation Master Plan and will help guide future decisions on development, road network planning and highway improvements along this segment of Highway 22, with a primary focus on highway access and intersection improvements.
STUDY NOW COMPLETE
The study is now complete. The final report can be viewed here. To learn more about the project, continue reading below.
The Highway 22 Functional Study Update includes a public engagement process to ensure adjacent landowners and all community members are informed of the proposed changes and have the opportunity to provide feedback to the project team.
2003 | Highway 22 and Highway 1A Access Management & Functional Planning Study approved by Alberta Transportation
- Provides a 20-year horizon for the future of the two primary highways
- Includes the long-range function, classification and design standards for both highways
- Includes future configurations, Right-of-Way (ROW) requirements, and an Access Management Strategy
November 2017 | Connecting Cochrane (Transportation Master Plan) adopted by the Town of Cochrane
- Includes transportation considerations for the short and long-term
- Answers the question “What is important and what should be considered as the Town grows to a population of 60,000 people?”
- Developed through a five-phase process, including technical analysis, forecasting based on projected growth and public consultation
- Recommended upgrades to the following intersections along Highway 22:
- Rolling Range Drive
- James Walker Trail
- New connection to the future Southbow neighbourhood
August 2020 | Transportation Network Assessment completed by The Town of Cochrane conducted
- Reviewed highway access scenarios based on full build out of development in South Cochrane
- Indicated that a second access along Highway 22 would be needed to service the lands south of the Bow River, relieving pressure along James Walker Trail and maintaining the operational performance of the James Walker Trail intersection
CURRENT | Highway 22 Functional Study Update
- Will align with Connecting Cochrane
- Will provide recommendations on short, medium and long-term improvements within the Study Area
- Will include technical analysis, public consultation, and review by the Town of Cochrane and Alberta Transportation
- Data Collection & Review (October 2021)
- Concept Design (November 2021)
- Public Engagement (December 2021)
- Concept Refinement (January 2022)
- Stormwater Management Plan
- Detailed Traffic and Safety Analysis
- Final Evaluation and Assessment
- Prepare Report (February 2022)
- Report Released << WE ARE HERE
A Public Open House was held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Attendees viewed a series of information boards, spoke with members of the project team and were provided a comment sheet to provide feedback. Forty-five people attended the event and seven comment forms were completed.
View the information boards from the open house HERE.
An Online Survey was available from December 8-23, 2021 to collect feedback from those unable to attend the Open House. Six online surveys were completed.
The project team has compiled the feedback received throughout public engagement into a What We Heard report. This report includes a summary of the engagement process, key themes of feedback and the project team’s response to questions and comments received.
This report has been shared with Alberta Transportation, the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County.
WHY ARE THESE CHANGES REQUIRED?
Since the previous study in 2003, the Town has annexed lands on the east and west sides of Highway 22. The traffic associated with the future development of these lands was not accounted for in the previous functional study and therefore an update is required to ensure Highway 22 can accommodate the anticipated regional and local traffic along the corridor. Alberta Transportation has requested for the study to be updated to align with the Town’s Transportation Master Plan, Connecting Cochrane.
WHEN ARE THE HIGHWAY 2 2 IMPROVEMENTS GOING TO TAKE PLACE?
The timing of improvements are subject to provincial funding. The province’s next capital plan will be released next spring, at which time we will have a better understanding of when improvements are expected.
WHO IS FUNDING THE HIGHWAY 22 FUNCTIONAL STUDY UPDATE?
Canopy Lands is a real estate asset management and development arm of Schickedanz Group, working on the Rolling Trails Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) south of Cochrane on the west side of Hwy 22, north of Fireside. Through the Town’s circulation of the ARP, Alberta Transportation requested an update to the Highway 22 and Highway 1A Access Management & Functional Planning Study (2003) for a portion of Highway 22; from south of the Bow River to the future Township Road 254 within Rocky View County. Canopy Lands is committed to investing in and supporting the future improvements to the transportation network in south Cochrane, and is willingly funding the Study Update.
Contact the Project Team
Please use the form below to contact us by email. To contact the team by phone, call 403-692-5234.
Project Engagement Consultant: Tamille Beynon – B&A Planning Group
