Province studying bypass east of Airdrie to ease highway congestion north of Calgary

A possible highway bypass east of Airdrie is gaining attention from north-of-Calgary commuters who say rush-hour traffic on Highway 2 (the QEII) has become so congested it shapes their daily routines. The province is studying a new corridor running from the northeast corner of Stoney Trail up to the town of Carstairs, about 30 kilometres north of Airdrie.

A government-commissioned report indicates the stretch of Highway 2 is expected to reach capacity within the next two to three decades, prompting early planning for an alternate route. Alana Getty Somers, the consulting project manager, said simply widening Highway 2 won't solve long-term demand. "If we built out Highway 2 and added more capacity or more travel lanes, that doesn't solve all the problems for the forecasted growth," she said.

Drivers report that peak-hour traffic already forces them to shift their schedules. Michael Brown, who commutes regularly, avoids Highway 2 during peak hours. "I don't go on the 2 until it's after 10 a.m., and I get on it to come home before 4," he said. "Going back and forth in and out of the city, it's crazy." Brown believes current infrastructure is already behind the pace of population growth. "We didn't have this many people, but now we've got so many… Airdrie and Cochrane and the south the same, they're coming in from Okotoks, they're all coming into the city to work and they're all working at the same time."

Miranda Payne, a daily commuter, said avoiding peak hours isn't an option for her family. "Especially when you're on a time schedule. You have to get home to take the kids to sports and stuff, and you never know if you're going to be late when you're coming up Deerfoot."

A public open house was held this week to gather feedback from drivers. Anyone with suggestions or concerns can find more information on Alberta.ca. The source does not indicate a timeline for the study's completion, funding approval, or construction start.