An update for a portion of the Hwy. 22 Functional Planning Study examines ways to address traffic volumes anticipated in south Cochrane over the next 40 years.

It contemplates short, medium, and long-term improvements to Hwy. 22 from south of the Bow River to just south of town limits. Of key interest is proposed upgrades to the current intersections on Hwy. 22 for Rolling Range Dr., Fireside Gate/James Walker Trail, and future Twp. Rd. 254.

At last night's open house (Dec. 7), interested residents got a first look at what is being considered and had an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Bruce Nelligan, president of the Watt Consulting Group, says the study aligns with an Alberta Transportation study that examines traffic flow needs along this section of Hwy. 22 up until 2060.

"It's kind of crystal balling a little bit because 2060 is such a long way away, but in actual fact, we've got some pretty good traffic model data that goes out to that kind of horizon. What we try to do is estimate what traffic would look like on Hwy. 22 at that time, and we have models set up that incorporate all the land-use and all the growth in the Town Cochrane that's expected over that time frame."

He says a major purpose of studies like this is to identify future right-of-way requirements. That's particularly important when you consider a six-lane highway may be required in the long term.

"Part of our work is to identify how many lanes and the width of the road that's required in the long-term, but there's also a bit of a staging analysis where we look at what could be built in the interim up to the six lanes."

Exactly when improvements occur is decided by the province.

"Right now, this project is not in the current capital plan for the province, however, they will be looking at it in the spring next year, so there's a chance it could be elevated to being a project in the next cycle."

Among the answers sought by Alberta Transportation was whether any grade-separated interchanges were anticipated.

"Our assessment did confirm that traffic lights and at-grade intersections would be satisfactory to meet the estimated demand in the future."

He says several residents at the open house pointed out the existing Rolling Range Dr. intersection is a safety issue, especially during peak traffic. He was told some opt to use the intersection at George Fox Trail instead.

"Certainly, there's a safety issue. With redevelopment of the area potentially pending, that might give the town and Alberta Transportation the opportunity to perhaps upgrade the intersection to at least a signal light intersection."

The study's website includes digital versions of the information boards used at the open house. Further feedback is welcomed until Dec. 23.

In January, the concept will be refined, including a detailed traffic and safety analysis, stormwater management plan, and final evaluation and assessment.

The report is expected to be completed in February.

The launch of a Rolling Hills Trail Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) lead to Alberta Transportation requesting the update.

Canopy Lands, a real estate asset management and development arm of Schickedanz Group, is funding the study.