Issue

Twinning construction of the remaining (approximately) 170 kilometers of Alberta Highway 3 known as Crowsnest Pass Highway, has been a concern for nearly two decades due not only to safety and efficiency concerns, but also concerns related to the stagnation of economic benefits and market access along this corridor. The main benefits that accrue from twinning Highway 3 include safety improvements, time savings for commercial and recreational travel, increased social and economic activities, tourism, and agricultural needs. 

Background

Alberta Provincial Highway 3 was designated as a core of the National Highway System in 1988, which recognizes its importance as a “key interprovincial and international corridor route”. It is a highway that transverses southern Alberta, connecting the Crowsnest Pass to the Trans-Canada Highway in Medicine Hat. It also serves as an alternative route to the Trans-Canada from Lower Mainland to the Canadian Prairies. Unfortunately, it is the last highway in Alberta recognized as a part of the national highway system that is not twinned. 

Our Recommendations

  1. Create a dedicated program for twinning all sections of Highway 3 with an annual sustainable contribution.  
  2. Initiate archeological studies at the Highway 2/Highways 3 proposed bypass interchange at Fort Macleod and completion of the Highway 3 Fort Macleod bypass. 
  3. Twin Highway 3 between municipalities as a highway rather than a freeway to allow for more cost flexibility.  
  4. Advocate to the Government of British Columbia the benefits of twinning Highway 3, and encourage them to begin the process of continuing highway twinning on their side of the border.  
Download The Policy Brief
Topic
Year

2023

Contact

If you have any questions, contact Dana Severson at dseverson@abchamber.ca or (780) 425-4180 ext. 2.