In this thread, I want to give a list about projects happening west of Ontario, and up north. I realize there are already threads for the individual provinces but to be honest, there's not enough happening there to warrant their own threads. Especially Manitoba, where there is currently one project in terms of highway expansion that I'm aware of. This will be a bit of a long list, but it will provide some insight about significant projects happening out west, and some projects to look forward to in regards to their completion.
I will update this list when these projects are complete with GREEN lettering, and list new projects along the way.
British Columbia
Highway 1 Twinning: The largest and most costly investment in roads probably goes to the Highway 1 Twinning project. BC intends to twin the entire Trans-Canada highway from Kamloops to the Alberta border. A section in Pritchard BC opened last year with continuing construction east of there (now Complete). A new bridge and twinning also opened east of Malawka last month. There are many 'planned' projects in the works like Chase and Chase Creek, Donald and others. More info: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/highway1-kamloops-alberta
BC 97 (Caribou Connector) Twinning: This project is similar to the Highway 1 twinning, but involves BC 97. The MOT wants to twin 447 km of BC 97, almost half of it already done. Phase 1 has already been completed. More info here: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/cariboo-connector/phase-2
Alberta
Anthony Henday Drive: The largest current project in Alberta I can think of is the Anthony Henday Ring Road Project. Also known as AB 216, this road, once complete, will circle Edmonton. Its north eastern part is nearly complete, with a completion date of 1 October 2016. This will be Canada's first complete freeway ring road. More: http://www.northeastanthonyhenday.com/ COMPLETE, 1 October 2016
Stoney Trail: This is similar to Anthony Henday Drive, in that it will be a ring road. This ring road will be located in Calgary however. Most of it was complete long ago, but the south western part was never done. PM Justin Trudeau announced that this part of the ring road will be constructed. Construction is to start this fall. More info here: http://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=43092EDBA302B-E31C-99B2-5D8D9FC44F6FCB17
Macleod Trail / 162 Avenue S Interchange: I put the Calgary DDI project on here because it's kind of a big deal. It was started last April, and will be done in fall 2017. This will be Canada's first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). More here: http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Road-projects/Macleod-Trail-162-Avenue-S-Interchange.aspx COMPLETE Oct 2017
Google: https://goo.gl/maps/LNtpEWbTBew
Saskatchewan
Regina Bypass: This project is by far the largest and most significant in the province. It involves building a completely new expressway around the city of Regina. NIMBY's did not like the fact it was going to be built closer to the city, but in my mind, that's how you build a bypass. By making it closer to the city, local residents can also use it. See Winnipeg for how not to built a bypass. I should also mention that this project will also include a DDI located on the east side of Regina (will open 2018 or 2019). Info: http://www.reginabypass.ca/
Cameras to check in on the construction: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/regina-bypass/regina-bypass-cameras
Other: I won't list the other individual projects, but here are a few twinning projects underway (SK 7 west of Saskatoon, and SK 16 (Yellowhead) east of Saskatoon(COMPLETE)). http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/majorprojects/
Manitoba
MB 101/59 Interchange: I more minor project in the grand scheme list here, but the only one currently in Manitoba. A three-level stack interchange being constructed right now. It will connect 101 together, making it expressway along the northern sector. It will be Manitoba's first three-level stack. Google: https://goo.gl/maps/Rtb3ysCGSzN2
I couldn't find a website, but skip to 4:58 in this video for an update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX0lopuFDnc
Thanks for posting this, there's a fair number of projects here!
Those BC twinning projects are certainly ambitious, but it's good to know that one of the main highways connecting BC and Alberta is being improved.
It's also interesting that Alberta will beat Ontario and Quebec for the first ring-road freeway. Of course, Toronto being on Lake Ontario is a big factor, but still.
The DDI's are also exciting. I wish I knew about the one in Springfield, MO when I drove through there last year! :pan:
I might get to see the MB 101/59 interchange construction in January. :) I think the concrete toboggan race will be held at Springhill Winter Park.
It's too bad they aren't doing more with the Perimeter Highway. The Perimeter Highway definitely could use some pretty significant upgrades.
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on July 30, 2016, 10:22:05 PM
It's too bad they aren't doing more with the Perimeter Highway. The Perimeter Highway definitely could use some pretty significant upgrades.
Tell me about it... :)
The 101/59 interchange currently being done is on the Perimeter, but it's the northern leg which has less traffic on it. That location has an AADT of 8800 or so. However, finishing that will finally make the entire ring road
twinned. I guess that is a start? :clap:
The south side (MB 100) is much worse. There are four traffic lights there that shouldn't be there. AADT's are around 20 000 in that sector, much of it being truck traffic (since it is the "official" Trans Canada bypass around the city). Although there has been a lot of talk to fix it from all political stripes, I doubt it will happen in the next 15 years. Here's some of that "talk" that may or may not happen. Remember, these articles were released during an election, so keep that in mind ;-)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-perimeter-highway-upgrades-1.3322423
And other projects close by:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/st-norbert-bypass-manitoba-1.3358771
https://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/hpd/openhouse/pdf/headingley_en.pdf
If anything comes up though, I'll be happy to share if anyone's interested.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 30, 2016, 02:47:41 PM
Alberta
Anthony Henday Drive: The largest current project in Alberta I can think of is the Anthony Henday Ring Road Project. Also known as AB 216, this road, once complete, will circle Edmonton. Its north eastern part is nearly complete, with a completion date of 1 October 2016. This will be Canada's first complete freeway ring road. More: http://www.northeastanthonyhenday.com/
Stoney Trail: This is similar to Anthony Henday Drive, in that it will be a ring road. This ring road will be located in Calgary however. Most of it was complete long ago, but the south western part was never done. PM Justin Trudeau announced that this part of the ring road will be constructed. Construction is to start this fall. More info here: http://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=43092EDBA302B-E31C-99B2-5D8D9FC44F6FCB17
Macleod Trail / 162 Avenue S Interchange: I put the Calgary DDI project on here because it's kind of a big deal. It was started last April, and will be done in fall 2017. This will be Canada's first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). More here: http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Road-projects/Macleod-Trail-162-Avenue-S-Interchange.aspx
Google: https://goo.gl/maps/LNtpEWbTBew
Google streetview had a streetview from April 2016 showing the erection of the piles and embankements who'll support the beams.
http://gokml.net/maps-azteca.php#ll=50.906152,-114.061841&z=16&t=s
http://gokml.net/maps-azteca.php#ll=50.906152,-114.061841&z=16&t=s
I'm surprised to see they decided to go with a DDI. They originally planned a Parclo A4.
Another project is Calgary is TCH-1/Baufort Road NW interchange who'll be a SPUI.
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Road-projects/Bowfort-Rd-Trans-Canada-Hwy-interchange.aspx
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 30, 2016, 02:47:41 PM
Saskatchewan
Regina Bypass: This project is by far the largest and most significant in the province. It involves building a completely new expressway around the city of Regina. NIMBY's did not like the fact it was going to be built closer to the city, but in my mind, that's how you build a bypass. By making it closer to the city, local residents can also use it. See Winnipeg for how not to built a bypass. I should also mention that this project will also include a DDI located on the east side of Regina (will open 2018 or 2019). Info: http://www.reginabypass.ca/
Cameras to check in on the construction: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/regina-bypass/regina-bypass-cameras
Do you know if the bypass is going to be designated as TCH 1 (or SK 11) or follow Alberta and Manitoba and designate it will 3 digit number? Could the bypass become SK 401?
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 31, 2016, 09:24:15 PM
I'm surprised to see they decided to go with a DDI. They originally planned a Parclo A4.
I think the proximity to the Hwy 22X (future Stoney Trail) interchange to the south probably affected the final design.
Quote from: dmuzika on August 23, 2016, 04:01:04 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 30, 2016, 02:47:41 PM
Saskatchewan
Regina Bypass: This project is by far the largest and most significant in the province. It involves building a completely new expressway around the city of Regina. NIMBY's did not like the fact it was going to be built closer to the city, but in my mind, that's how you build a bypass. By making it closer to the city, local residents can also use it. See Winnipeg for how not to built a bypass. I should also mention that this project will also include a DDI located on the east side of Regina (will open 2018 or 2019). Info: http://www.reginabypass.ca/
Cameras to check in on the construction: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/regina-bypass/regina-bypass-cameras
Do you know if the bypass is going to be designated as TCH 1 (or SK 11) or follow Alberta and Manitoba and designate it will 3 digit number? Could the bypass become SK 401?
Not sure, but I doubt they'll reroute TCH to go onto the new bypass (even though I think that would be a great idea). They could make the current alignment SK 1A or something.
They may not have a number assigned to it at all.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 31, 2016, 09:24:15 PM
Another project is Calgary is TCH-1/Baufort Road NW interchange who'll be a SPUI.
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Road-projects/Bowfort-Rd-Trans-Canada-Hwy-interchange.aspx
I've heard about this one too. It would technically extend the freeway section of the Trans Canada further east.
Are there any plans to do anything with the northern end of Circle Drive in Saskatoon? That tie in with SK-11/16 at the north end of town really isn't very desirable. It doesn't look like something that can be fixed easily either.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on August 23, 2016, 09:14:06 PM
Quote from: dmuzika on August 23, 2016, 04:01:04 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 30, 2016, 02:47:41 PM
Saskatchewan
Regina Bypass: This project is by far the largest and most significant in the province. It involves building a completely new expressway around the city of Regina. NIMBY's did not like the fact it was going to be built closer to the city, but in my mind, that's how you build a bypass. By making it closer to the city, local residents can also use it. See Winnipeg for how not to built a bypass. I should also mention that this project will also include a DDI located on the east side of Regina (will open 2018 or 2019). Info: http://www.reginabypass.ca/
Do you know if the bypass is going to be designated as TCH 1 (or SK 11) or follow Alberta and Manitoba and designate it will 3 digit number? Could the bypass become SK 401?
Not sure, but I doubt they'll reroute TCH to go onto the new bypass (even though I think that would be a great idea). They could make the current alignment SK 1A or something.
They may not have a number assigned to it at all.
Since part of the reason for the bypass is to pull through traffic off congested Victoria Ave., it would make sense to move the TCH designation to the bypass.
I noticed when I visited Regina last month that SK 11 is multiplexed, along with SK 6, along TCH 1 to the southern TCH/SK 6 junction. This might be a recent change. If the TCH were moved to the bypass, SK 11 could be extended to absorb all of the bypassed part of existing TCH 1, with the Victoria Ave. segment left unnumbered.
Moose Jaw has what looks like remnant signage for an Alternate TCH 1 (but no such signage at the exit from the TCH to the Manitoba Ave. Expressway). I don't know if Moose Jaw's Alt TCH 1 is officially part of the provincial highway system. If Victoria Ave. in Regina east of Ring Rd. gets the same treatment, its Alt TCH 1 designation might be short-lived.
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on August 23, 2016, 10:13:43 PM
Are there any plans to do anything with the northern end of Circle Drive in Saskatoon? That tie in with SK-11/16 at the north end of town really isn't very desirable. It doesn't look like something that can be fixed easily either.
Not that I know of. Only things near Saskatoon going on would be the SK 7 twinning to the west, and the TC 16 twinning in the east. The southwestern part of Circle Drive was recently built I recall, so I doubt they'll do anything in the north.
Quote from: oscar on August 23, 2016, 10:40:27 PM
Since part of the reason for the bypass is to pull through traffic off congested Victoria Ave., it would make sense to move the TCH designation to the bypass.
I noticed when I visited Regina last month that SK 11 is multiplexed, along with SK 6, along TCH 1 to the southern TCH/SK 6 junction. This might be a recent change. If the TCH were moved to the bypass, SK 11 could be extended to absorb all of the bypassed part of existing TCH 1, with the Victoria Ave. segment left unnumbered.
Moose Jaw has what looks like remnant signage for an Alternate TCH 1 (but no such signage at the exit from the TCH to the Manitoba Ave. Expressway). I don't know if Moose Jaw's Alt TCH 1 is officially part of the provincial highway system.
I think it's unofficial. According
Exploring Old Highway No. 1 West: Canada's Route 66 by J. Clark Saunders, prior to the 1950's when the present bypass was constructed, Hwy 1 used to follow Athabasca Street, Main Street, and Caribou Street through Moose Jaw, heading west on now-Hwy 735. The overhead signage looks fairly new as Saskatchewan used to use a maple leaf cutout as opposed to a full TCH shield. Considering that the Manitoba Street Expressway is a superior route to connect with downtown Moose Jaw from TCH 1 east, it seems the overhead signage for TCH 1 ALTERNATE along a minor Athabasca St seems unnecessary.
As for Regina, I'm not expecting a major change. There's remnant signage for TCH 1 along Victoria Avenue and Albert Street through downtown Regina, so even if TCH 1 follows the new bypass, signage will probably still remain. Saskatchewan isn't the best at removing remnant signage in urban areas or using the "TO" tab - in some ways it's sloppy but in other ways it provides a great glimpse into former alignments.
Quote from: dmuzika on August 26, 2016, 03:16:47 PM
Saskatchewan isn't the best at removing remnant signage in urban areas or using the "TO" tab - in some ways it's sloppy but in other ways it provides a great glimpse into former alignments.
My impression is that in Saskatchewan "TO" banners are used, fairly consistently, for multiplexes (at least implied). For example, part of TCH 1 through Regina is also "TO" SK 6, where the lesser route shares pavement with the major route.
Quote from: oscar on August 26, 2016, 03:49:37 PM
My impression is that in Saskatchewan "TO" banners are used, fairly consistently, for multiplexes (at least implied). For example, part of TCH 1 through Regina is also "TO" SK 6, where the lesser route shares pavement with the major route.
Fair enough. I was referring to some of the former alignments in some of the urban areas; for example, in downtown Regina at Victoria Avenue and Albert Street, Hwys 1, 6, and 11 are signed as if they were actually routed through downtown, with no "TO" or "Business Route" tabs. Similar to some of the historical routes in downtown Saskatoon (Idylwyld Drive).
Another one to add to the list, Saskatoon is building the North Commuter Parkway which a new bridge across the South Saskatchewan River located north of the Circle Drive bridge, connecting Marquis Drive and McOrmond Drive, creating an arterial grade NE loop outside of Circle Drive; see https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/major-projects/current-projects/north-commuter-parkway-traffic-bridge-replacement-project.
The plans are still in place for the province to build Perimeter Freeway further out from the North Commuter Parkway; see http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/Saskatoon_Freeway.
I saw this time-lapse video showing the erections of girders on MacLeod/162 Avenue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbRwpWtcsHs
The province also announced construction of the Highway 43X Bypass, a NW bypass around Grande Prairie, http://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=41654A6BDB79A-B82F-309C-1F8462FDE1F0C9D8. Presently, Hwy 43X is a short divided highway that extends west for 4 km from the Highway 43/2 interchange. Maps can be viewed at http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/projects/assets/Area_3_West/Hwy_43/Location_Plan_43X.pdf and http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/projects/assets/Area_3_West/Hwy_43/Plan_43X.pdf.
ROW exists to extend the bypass south to Hwy 40 (known as Hwy 40X), but this segment has not been funded.
The present Hwy 43 Bypass (as known as 106 Street & 116 Avenue) bypasses downtown Grande Prairie, but is an arterial roadway with a lot of suburban development and no longer functions as a true highway bypass. Once Hwy 43X is complete, it will be transferred to the City of Grande Prairie; http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/2016/06/28/city-to-take-over-hwy-43-bypass-from-province. While not explicitly stated, I'm suspecting this indicates that once complete, Hwy 43X will signed as Hwy 43.
Canada's first freeway ring road has opened! :thumbsup:
The final leg of Anthony Henday Drive (AB 216), in Edmonton opened today.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2976809/in-photos-final-leg-of-anthony-henday-drive-opens-this-weekend/
It is quite the road. The whole ring road has close to 30 interchanges, wide shoulders and is completely free flowing. Winnipeg could learn a thing or two from Edmonton, though to cut some slack, traffic counts aren't really there on the Perimeter.
Calgary has plans to finish their ring road in the next few years, with construction on the last quadrant of their ring road (Stoney Trail, AB 201) starting this fall.
The first 25 km of Saskatchewan's Highway 7 Twinning southwest of Saskatoon is almost complete:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2016/september/29/construction-update
And, to follow up from the previous post, I saw this and had a bit of a laugh:
http://globalnews.ca/news/2978212/social-media-lights-up-over-crude-sign-on-new-leg-of-edmonton-ring-road/
Quote from: SignGeek101 on October 01, 2016, 10:47:07 PM
Canada's first freeway ring road has opened! :thumbsup:
The final leg of Anthony Henday Drive (AB 216), in Edmonton opened today.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2976809/in-photos-final-leg-of-anthony-henday-drive-opens-this-weekend/
It is quite the road. The whole ring road has close to 30 interchanges, wide shoulders and is completely free flowing. Winnipeg could learn a thing or two from Edmonton, though to cut some slack, traffic counts aren't really there on the Perimeter.
Calgary has plans to finish their ring road in the next few years, with construction on the last quadrant of their ring road (Stoney Trail, AB 201) starting this fall.
What's next for Winnipeg after the new interchange with PTH-59 at 101 and presumably the Headingly By-pass?
Are there any medium range plans to continue to improve the Perimeter Highway?
Manitoba continues to have a low unemployment rate, so one would think this would be the time to spend the money.
There was a report 10 years ago commenting on the design flaws of Winnipeg's Perimeter Highway: Disaster by Design (https://www.fcpp.org/posts/winnipegs-perimeter-highway-disaster-by-design)
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on October 03, 2016, 10:15:14 AM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on October 01, 2016, 10:47:07 PM
Canada's first freeway ring road has opened! :thumbsup:
The final leg of Anthony Henday Drive (AB 216), in Edmonton opened today.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2976809/in-photos-final-leg-of-anthony-henday-drive-opens-this-weekend/
It is quite the road. The whole ring road has close to 30 interchanges, wide shoulders and is completely free flowing. Winnipeg could learn a thing or two from Edmonton, though to cut some slack, traffic counts aren't really there on the Perimeter.
Calgary has plans to finish their ring road in the next few years, with construction on the last quadrant of their ring road (Stoney Trail, AB 201) starting this fall.
What's next for Winnipeg after the new interchange with PTH-59 at 101 and presumably the Headingly By-pass?
There is actually an update for the 59/101 courtesy of Trans Canada Phil on YouTube:
Go to 1:44 of this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQBEtL71rRc
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on October 03, 2016, 10:15:14 AM
Are there any medium range plans to continue to improve the Perimeter Highway?
Manitoba continues to have a low unemployment rate, so one would think this would be the time to spend the money.
The Perimeter Highway is one of those things politicians here always talk about fixing, but there's never any action taken. There was a comment from former premier Greg Selinger saying that four more diamonds would be installed on the south Perimeter starting in about five years. Selinger was not popular here for other reasons, and he lost the election last year. All I've seen the new government do so far is cut back and not talk about road projects.
Other than 59/101, there is nothing planned for the Perimeter. There is, however, the Headingley Bypass, which will take traffic away from Headingley, allowing people to travel west (on TCH) without hitting half a dozen traffic lights.
So... for the Perimeter, the short answer is nothing.
Quote from: Chris on October 03, 2016, 10:27:35 AM
There was a report 10 years ago commenting on the design flaws of Winnipeg's Perimeter Highway: Disaster by Design (https://www.fcpp.org/posts/winnipegs-perimeter-highway-disaster-by-design)
Honestly, as a transportation centre and hub for central Canada (and even North America), the state of the Perimeter is downright embarrassing. The first thing you see when you enter the city as a tourist is a dangerous, outdated, and nonstandard roadway with no sign of progress.
Winnipeg's population is projected to hit 1 million by 2035. Hopefully something will be done by then.
More info about the Perimeter's progress: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=210164&page=55
6 km Trans-Canada Highway will be twinned in Yoho National Park between the BC/Alberta border and Wapta Lake (near the Great Divide Lodge). The remaining 40 km the TCH in Yoho will undergo an impact assessment.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/yoho/ne.aspx
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/yoho-national-park-gets-additional-funding-as-highway-1-twinning-begins
What a pleasant surprise! I wasn't aware of this happening, although I'm glad it will be completely done across Yoho within a few years. Give the BC government until 2023 to finish Kicking Horse, and there will twinned TCH all the way to Golden.
I'll add this to my list of projects to watch.
The first phase of SK 7 twinning west of Saskatoon has opened:
http://globalnews.ca/news/3003787/first-phase-of-highway-7-twinning-west-of-saskatoon-opens-to-drivers/
The whole project will see 25 km of SK 7 from west of Saskatoon to Delisle twinned, as traffic counts have climbed steadily in recent years (over 9000 AADT in some areas).
Major milestone hit on Macleod trail at 162 Avenue, the traffic lights are removed.
http://globalnews.ca/news/3002718/macleod-trail-divergent-diamond-interchange-project-hits-major-milestone/
http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/traffic-lights-to-be-removed-at-macleod-trail-162-avenue-south-interchange-1.3115821
Sorry for the bump I spotted this post on Skyscraperpage forum by Stingray2004 who mentionned the new Brunette interchange on TCH-1 in metro Vancouver. http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7600528&postcount=2935
QuoteRe: Proposed new Brunette interchange at Hwy 1...
No schematics yet, but here are the details of the 3 three design options:
Option A: Brunette Interchange with Separate Municipal Connections and United Blvd. Connection — The main crossing of Highway 1 is separated into two corridors — a two-lane corridor for local traffic and a four-lane corridor for regional and provincial traffic.
Option B: Blue Mountain Interchange with United Blvd. Connection — This option extends Blue Mountain St. over Highway 1 to United Blvd. Interchanges become the main access to Highway 1.
Option C: Blue Mountain Interchange with Braid Industrial Area Connector — The direct connection between United Blvd. and Brunette is replaced by a two-lane connection from Blue Mountain St. to Columbia St. via a new connector with a two lane tunnel under the rail lines and Brunette River.
And Skyscraperpage user Xrayal tried to guess the possible configurations of option A and option C, and it might be the first piece of the NFPR (North Fraser perimeter road) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7601192&postcount=2936
Don't they also have the George Massey Tunnel Replacement taking place in 2017? I read over a couple of headlines on them and they said they will build a cable stayed bridge replacing the tunnel... and in Alberta, the Yellowhead Trail will have many future projects such has the twinning of the section between Jasper and Highway 40. On "Wikipedia", they also say they will replace every intersection in of the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton with flyovers, interchanges etc.
Quote from: AlbertanRoad on October 26, 2016, 12:34:15 AM
Don't they also have the George Massey Tunnel Replacement taking place in 2017?
Yes, that will start in 2017.
Quote from: AlbertanRoad on October 26, 2016, 12:34:15 AM
and in Alberta, the Yellowhead Trail will have many future projects such has the twinning of the section between Jasper and Highway 40. On "Wikipedia", they also say they will replace every intersection in of the Yellowhead Trail in Edmonton with flyovers, interchanges etc.
I've heard stuff about the Yellowhead for awhile now. I'm not sure if/when it will happen, but I do check on it periodically. My guess is that Alberta will ask for federal assistance to do the Edmonton section first, before twinning west.
Speaking of Yellowhead Twinning however, it appears the Yellowhead twinning east of Saskatoon is complete or will be very soon:
http://thestarphoenix.com/business/local-business/highway-16-twinning-project-expected-to-wrap-up-this-month
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (governance body for Fort McMurray) is looking into a second highway that runs east of Fort McMurray and the Athabasca River, serving as an alternate emergency evacuation route.
Global News Edmonton - http://globalnews.ca/video/3033146/growing-calls-for-second-emergency-evacuation-route-in-fort-mcmurray
Map
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi725.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww255%2Fdmuzika%2FECMUAR_zpslm2vcpbn.png&hash=435a3a9ab4a01bacabcaa8f70326f34141647158) (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/dmuzika/media/ECMUAR_zpslm2vcpbn.png.html)
Source: Athabasca Oil Sands Area Transportation Coordination Committee Cost Benefit Analysis: East Clearwater Multi-user Access Road November 2014 (http://"https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/ctareview2014/pdf/Alberta%20-%20Athabasca%20Oil%20Sands%20Area%20Transportation%20Coordination%20Committee/AOSA-TCC%20Cost%20Benefit%20Analysis%20ECMUAR%20FINAL_Nov%203%202014.pdf")
IMO, a connection to La Loche, SK (which connects with SK 155 and another way south) should also be considered.
Quote from: dmuzika on October 31, 2016, 02:44:31 PM
IMO, a connection to La Loche, SK (which connects with SK 155 and another way south) should also be considered.
Wasn't also in the past, some talk of extending AB-58 or AB-986 easterly to reach AB-63?
Any long-range plans to upgrade the AB 4 and 2 corridors from the border up toward Calgary, either just twinning or full access control?
Quote from: Bickendan on November 04, 2016, 05:20:19 PM
Any long-range plans to upgrade the AB 4 and 2 corridors from the border up toward Calgary, either just twinning or full access control?
AB 4 is twinned from the border to Lethbridge. From there it becomes an arterial road. However, it has been on Alberta's radar:
QuoteLong term planning study was completed for ultimate upgrade of Highway 3 and Highway 4 near Lethbridge to a freeway standard.
Though nothing official has been announced in making this happen. If they upgrade this section, it will be twinned highway from the border up AB 4, then onto the Crowsnest (AB 3), then up AB 2 to Calgary.
Haven't seen anything on Highway 2. Considering how it goes to a two lane road on the US side (US 89), I doubt it's a high priority.
I'd be surprised if any plans were in the works for AB 2 south of AB 3; it's north of AB 3 that interests me as it's the extension of the I-15 'corridor'.
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on November 04, 2016, 04:42:22 PM
Wasn't also in the past, some talk of extending AB-58 or AB-986 easterly to reach AB-63?
There were some plans to upgrade an existing winter road between AB 881 and La Loche to an all-weather gravel highway; Saskatchewan built SK 956 in the mid-2000s but then it fell through (probably funding). Alberta has a plan to connect AB 686 to Peerless Lake (north of Slave Lake) and connect with the recently constructed Parsons Access Road in Fort McMurrey. Between AB 686 and AB 986, I suspect that someday there will be an AB 86 that runs from AB 35 to AB 63. AB 58 is much further north, and if extended east would connect to Fort Chipywan after passing through Wood Buffalo National Park.
Quote from: Bickendan on November 05, 2016, 03:42:44 AM
I'd be surprised if any plans were in the works for AB 2 south of AB 3; it's north of AB 3 that interests me as it's the extension of the I-15 'corridor'.
I've seen some long-term documents online that show AB 2/4 as a freeway between Calgary and I-15, but if it happens it will probably be more piecemeal. The Alberta government presently has long-term studies for a bypasses of Lethbridge and Fort Macleod (see http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/projects/south.aspx), and there is ROW for Nanton and Claresolm bypasses. Nothing in the short-term.
A project that I have been waiting for may actually happen:
http://globalnews.ca/news/3039670/notley-government-says-yes-to-yellowhead-makeover/
AB 16 (Yellowhead Highway) through Edmonton currently is not fully freeway. That may change if the feds contribute.
Looks like the feds are contributing money to convert Yellowhead Trail to a freeway; http://globalnews.ca/video/3132816/details-on-major-yellowhead-upgrade.
Quote from: dmuzika on December 18, 2016, 06:20:24 PM
Looks like the feds are contributing money to convert Yellowhead Trail to a freeway; http://globalnews.ca/video/3132816/details-on-major-yellowhead-upgrade.
Yes, apparently going to cost over $1B to do. Construction will not start until as late as 2021. Here is the Alberta government's release about it:
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=450225416DED2-E9AA-179F-2215F79BCF350CD1
Also, BC officially completed the second and final phase of the Highway 1 Twinning between Pritchard and Hoffman's Bluff:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016TRAN0403-002703
Here is a picture of the new road courtesy of BC MOT. Note that since this picture was taken, Jersey barriers have been added to the median:
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/736/30785444414_cff0bc88df_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NUps5o)
4-Lane Section on Phase 2 of Hoffman's Bluff Completed (https://flic.kr/p/NUps5o) by B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/), on Flickr
Also, BC's newest Highway 1 Twinning project, North Fork had a bit of an update as well. New Cameras were installed west of the bridge that will allow you to check in on the twinning project 24/7:
The project page:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/highway1-kamloops-alberta/current-projects/north-fork
Camera:
http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pub/html/www/603.html
Finally, BC MOT also got this picture of one of the new bridges that will be installed over the Perry River:
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/688/31588803906_b7f834b668_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Q8oSS7)
Rip Rap at the Edge of the North Fork Bridge (https://flic.kr/p/Q8oSS7) by B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/), on Flickr
Even though this project only started this fall, quite a lot has changed already from the GSV: https://goo.gl/maps/to4GiMKcEix
Starting this year, construction will start on realigning and raising MB hwy 75 through Morris.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/fixes-for-hwy-75near-morris-419343164.html (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/fixes-for-hwy-75near-morris-419343164.html)
QuoteFixes planned for Hwy. 75 near Morris
Flood-proofing scheduled
The Pallister government is going to straighten out some serious curves in Highway 75 immediately south of Morris and also flood-proof the highway in the Morris area by building it higher.
Two other major components of a study on ways to improve that crowded portion of the highway are the elimination of traffic lights and rural access roads on the south Perimeter.
Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen told reporters Wednesday the province will add several feet to the height of Highway 75 around Morris.
"You don't have to close 75 – it will be flood-proof," he said.
"We're going to redo the dike so the highway goes over the dike and down into Morris."
The multi-year project begins in 2017-18 with $21 million worth of work. Already, the minister noted, "there's a huge pile of dirt there."
The northbound lanes that are closer to the Red River will be built up from St. Jean to Morris by 2020, and the section from Morris to Aubigny will follow when that work is done.
Pedersen said that everyone who drives Highway 75 is familiar with curves south of town. The project will straighten them out both northbound and southbound, he said.
"There's a number of curves coming in – we're going to straighten out a couple of the curves," he said.
Cabinet last week approved the expropriation of two unspecified properties south of Morris whose owners had declined to sell.
Two other parcels of land had been acquired for the project, the order-in-council said.
Pedersen told reporters his department spent less than expected on highways in the past year, but explained that "part of that was the timing of the projects."
Infrastructure will spend $502 million on highways this year, and $500 million a year for the next four years, the minister said.
"We keep it at a steady rate."
Asked about megaprojects to build bypasses of Headingley and St. Norbert, Pedersen noted, "We will not be moving forward on either one of them."
His focus is on the needs on the south Perimeter: "Anyone who's driven the south Perimeter knows it's needing a complete rebuild."
"We're doing a study on the south Perimeter. The entire study is about access, about overpasses so we can remove the traffic lights," and deal with safety issues over the rural roads which access the Perimeter, he said. "There's a number of rural access roads on a high-speed interchange."
The province would look at St. Norbert as part of the study, but the south Perimeter is the priority, Pedersen said.
In other infrastructure news, Pedersen said, he'll be closing the Grace Lake gravel runway airport in The Pas within three months.
It will save the province $250,000 a year and its two staff will be transferred while making land available for development adjacent to The Pas.
The Pas is the only community in Manitoba with two airports, he said. The Clearwater airport is much larger and is the town's choice, Pedersen said.
New Democrat Amanda Lathlin raised the issue in question period, imploring Pedersen to keep Grace Lake open.
She and her daughter both have been medevaced out of Grace Lake, Lathlin said, noting the Clearwater airport is an $80 cab ride and another 30 minutes away.
Quote from: 7/8 on April 13, 2017, 08:13:45 PM
Starting this year, construction will start on realigning and raising MB hwy 75 through Morris.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/fixes-for-hwy-75near-morris-419343164.html (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/fixes-for-hwy-75near-morris-419343164.html)
QuoteFixes planned for Hwy. 75 near Morris
Flood-proofing scheduled
The Pallister government is going to straighten out some serious curves in Highway 75 immediately south of Morris and also flood-proof the highway in the Morris area by building it higher. Two other major components of a study on ways to improve that crowded portion of the highway are the elimination of traffic lights and rural access roads on the south Perimeter. Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen told reporters Wednesday the province will add several feet to the height of Highway 75 around Morris.
"You don't have to close 75 – it will be flood-proof," he said.
"We're going to redo the dike so the highway goes over the dike and down into Morris."
The multi-year project begins in 2017-18 with $21 million worth of work. Already, the minister noted, "there's a huge pile of dirt there."
The northbound lanes that are closer to the Red River will be built up from St. Jean to Morris by 2020, and the section from Morris to Aubigny will follow when that work is done. Pedersen said that everyone who drives Highway 75 is familiar with curves south of town. The project will straighten them out both northbound and southbound, he said.
"There's a number of curves coming in – we're going to straighten out a couple of the curves," he said.
Cabinet last week approved the expropriation of two unspecified properties south of Morris whose owners had declined to sell. Two other parcels of land had been acquired for the project, the order-in-council said. Pedersen told reporters his department spent less than expected on highways in the past year, but explained that "part of that was the timing of the projects."
Infrastructure will spend $502 million on highways this year, and $500 million a year for the next four years, the minister said.
"We keep it at a steady rate."
Realigning a bunch of curves to make 75 still go through the town (as a low speed city street), the cheaper alternative to simply bypassing the town (which has been talked about in the past and should have been done). Sounds like the Manitoba way! Other than Morris and St Norbert, 75 is perfectly fine the way it is (not a freeway, AADT simply doesn't justify it).
Quote from: 7/8 on April 13, 2017, 08:13:45 PM
Quote
His focus is on the needs on the south Perimeter: "Anyone who's driven the south Perimeter knows it's needing a complete rebuild."
"We're doing a study on the south Perimeter. The entire study is about access, about overpasses so we can remove the traffic lights," and deal with safety issues over the rural roads which access the Perimeter, he said. "There's a number of rural access roads on a high-speed interchange."
The province would look at St. Norbert as part of the study, but the south Perimeter is the priority, Pedersen said.
Focusing on the south Perimeter should be the priority IMO. As bad as 75 is through St Norbert, the Perimeter is much worse. AADT of close to 25000 in places with way too many traffic lights.
Houses line the northern flank of the Perimeter from (soon to be) Brady Road to St. Annes Road (some of which weren't there 10 years ago). Diamonds at McGillivray and St, Anne's should help as well as a Parclo A4 at St Mary's (with priority on the latter two). Realign Waverley to meet Kenaston at a light which would be upgraded
once if the St Norbert bypass was ever built. Close off access from Perimeter westbound to PTH 2.
Sadly, all of this stuff has, again been something that has been talked about here for years, but never done. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the same case.
In terms of new highway spending, Centreport (the current part of PTH 190; built just a few years ago) was a waste of money IMO and should have been used for the Headingley bypass (Highway 1 is pretty bad through that stretch as well). Now that project probably isn't happening at all, leaving a stub at the end of the current route.
I could go on and on about roads here and upgrades to roads surrounding Winnipeg (as well as inside the city). The stuff above is the most important though.
Here is a picture of the nearly completed SPUI, taken by me the city of Calgary:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.calgary.ca%2FTransportation%2FTI%2FPublishingImages%2FRoad-projects%2Fbowfort-TCH-interchange%2Ftch-bowfort-image-apr13-2017.jpg&hash=2cd59285938574d112cae04d7a4457f0fcaa240c)
It should open this summer. Note the intersection near the bottom of the photo is temporary and will be closed upon completion of the interchange. With this completed, the Trans Canada will be freeway from somewhere near Banff to the Bow River crossing in western Calgary. More info here:
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Road-projects/Bowfort-Rd-Trans-Canada-Hwy-interchange.aspx
Here's some photos I took this morning of construction along TCH 1 east of Regina (which relates to the Regina Bypass). They were taken in the EB direction.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FokOhIcq.jpg&hash=c179426f36df5b37fbeac2e86e9d3153b626919f)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FMWch52Q.jpg&hash=7022a4fb7be151e26cfd02652df465ba84238219)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FMWch52Q.jpg&hash=7022a4fb7be151e26cfd02652df465ba84238219)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fk3clhe5.jpg&hash=7a620247ee08856a1c6c7ab06cdddd9379c7a584)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVMeFGvK.jpg&hash=2d4c47f15c9c7d0b8600763d718a148bf3839fe0)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FdgT2K9V.jpg&hash=5f597ec45a6cdf7ebaf562ac244dfff2f6aabb8f)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQzJc8OL.jpg&hash=0c2a9a6fa6eba1d0db62991706eb9073368f2ad4)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fa0QIyvG.jpg&hash=31363b4df108e09ca58eb724a304bea685707381)
Here's a few photos along TCH 16 east of Saskatoon, which was recently twinned. The pavement markings for the WB lanes could still use better painting (the old yellow lines are way too visible).
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQYWf770.jpg&hash=54452010d5bb159778ac78e11a5dac1a2069b1ff)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtFULd9P.jpg&hash=09edb361be26eb26157c71dca4bee2d8ef52ffe6)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FyF2n19d.jpg&hash=09ab3a0ecf0040b7976dbbd0e1957090fc68d76c)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrELvZsp.jpg&hash=4c8fa62458603b11b6aecc67cdd42154ee7d6632)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FgAjjIA9.jpg&hash=90a9cf4ac11822cef61a230a7b0a9b4191839482)
Quote from: 7/8 on April 25, 2017, 11:43:18 PM
Here's some photos I took this morning of construction along TCH 1 east of Regina (which relates to the Regina Bypass). They were taken in the EB direction.
Sweet! Thanks for posting. The White City and Balgonie interchanges (the bridges with the bridge decks installed) will be done by this summer or fall, so it's nice to see they're well on their way. Tower road (the more incomplete one) will take a bit longer it seems.
Quote from: 7/8 on April 28, 2017, 10:45:51 PM
Here's a few photos along TCH 16 east of Saskatoon, which was recently twinned. The pavement markings for the WB lanes could still use better painting (the old yellow lines are way too visible).
To be honest, I couldn't tell which was the newer line for a minute there. That is a pretty shotty job on the part of the MOH. I hope they fix that in the near future. You really ought to cross post to this thread: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=13536.msg2197634#msg2197634
Thanks for posting these. I probably won't get out there until next summer 2018 so hopefully I can get pics once it's complete :)
Here is an update from a new interchange being installed on TC 1 in western Calgary:
http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Documents/Road-projects/bowfort-TCH/TCH-Bowfort-lane-reduction-layout-apr2017.pdf
The eastbound lanes are being moved over to the new alignment. The whole project should finish by the end of the summer at the latest.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on April 28, 2017, 11:25:57 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on April 28, 2017, 10:45:51 PM
Here's a few photos along TCH 16 east of Saskatoon, which was recently twinned. The pavement markings for the WB lanes could still use better painting (the old yellow lines are way too visible).
To be honest, I couldn't tell which was the newer line for a minute there. That is a pretty shotty job on the part of the MOH. I hope they fix that in the near future. You really ought to cross post to this thread: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=13536.msg2197634#msg2197634
Yeah, my friend was driving and at first he didn't realize he could use the left lane :-D.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on April 28, 2017, 11:25:57 PM
Thanks for posting these. I probably won't get out there until next summer 2018 so hopefully I can get pics once it's complete :)
No problem, I made sure to take lots of photos on my trip, and I enjoyed my first visit to Saskatchewan and Manitoba :). People say the prairies are boring to drive through, but I was happy with the scenery myself (the Qu'Appelle Valley was particularly nice)!
An update for the MB 101 / 59 stack interchange (video not mine):
Go to 3:33.
https://youtu.be/M3h7QX9EQ84?t=3m33s
I checked it out yesterday and the progress was about the same as in this video (it was raining and I didn't get pictures).
I wonder if the floods in Northern Manitoba will push the studies and the urge for an highway linking to Churchill? The floods had damaged the railroad and cut the link between Churchill and the rest of the province. http://globalnews.ca/news/3523871/photos-show-widespread-damage-on-rail-line-to-churchill/ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/churchill-response-1.4160467
Slightly off-topic since it's not a road project, a time-lapse video of AB-1A from Calgary to Cochrane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXO4jnzxLa4
Part of AB-201(Stoney Trail) will be renamed Tsuut'ina Trail.
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=7860617&postcount=7211
https://calgaryringroad.wordpress.com/2017/07/10/tsuutina-trail-officially-named/
The Glenmore Trail / Ogden Road interchange opened today, eliminating a set of traffic lights as well as two railway crossings (one of which being the CP mainline). The city's ultimate plan to have Glenmore Trail freeflow within Stoney Trail; however, the remaining interchanges at Barlow Trail, 52 Street SE, and 68 Street SE are unfunded
http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1170489&binId=1.1201914&playlistPageNum=1
http://globalnews.ca/news/3607417/new-glenmore-trail-bridge-takes-traffic-over-train-tracks-at-ogden-road/
Quote from: dmuzika on July 19, 2017, 01:52:42 PM
The Glenmore Trail / Ogden Road interchange opened today, eliminating a set of traffic lights as well as two railway crossings (one of which being the CP mainline). The city's ultimate plan to have Glenmore Trail freeflow within Stoney Trail; however, the remaining interchanges at Barlow Trail, 52 Street SE, and 68 Street SE are unfunded
http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1170489&binId=1.1201914&playlistPageNum=1
http://globalnews.ca/news/3607417/new-glenmore-trail-bridge-takes-traffic-over-train-tracks-at-ogden-road/
I really wish they got rid of the TCH and 68 Street NE intersection... I don't know if that will ever happen though.
Meanwhile, the first intersection of the Regina Bypass is expected to open sometime next week; early and on budget. The Balgonie (SK 46) crossing is a dog-bone diamond interchange (diamond with roundabouts). It is the most eastern interchange on the Regina Bypass.
More details: http://regina.ctvnews.ca/new-balgonie-overpass-set-to-open-early-next-week-1.3511759
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/balgonie-overpass-open-for-traffic-1.4214516
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4dUfP1zMcbk
Highway 1 east of Regina to just past the Balgonie crossing should be mostly, if not completely, grade separated once the Pilot Butte interchange goes in next year.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 20, 2017, 11:50:34 PM
Quote from: dmuzika on July 19, 2017, 01:52:42 PM
The Glenmore Trail / Ogden Road interchange opened today, eliminating a set of traffic lights as well as two railway crossings (one of which being the CP mainline). The city's ultimate plan to have Glenmore Trail freeflow within Stoney Trail; however, the remaining interchanges at Barlow Trail, 52 Street SE, and 68 Street SE are unfunded
http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1170489&binId=1.1201914&playlistPageNum=1
http://globalnews.ca/news/3607417/new-glenmore-trail-bridge-takes-traffic-over-train-tracks-at-ogden-road/
I really wish they got rid of the TCH and 68 Street NE intersection... I don't know if that will ever happen though.
Unfortunately the TCH is under City of Calgary jurisdiction and 68 Street NE is lower priority, so while there are plans on the books, it will be a while that comes into fruition. Just to the east of Stoney Trail, there is a set of lights at 100 Street NE; however, that is in Rocky View County so it's provincial. With the Bowfort Road interchange only being constructed now, barring some provincial or federal funding it will be a while.
Personally, I would like to see the TCH follow Glenmore Trail through Calgary, incidentally Glenmore is now free-flow in the same area where 16 Ave N (TCH 1) has the majority of its traffic signals - between Barlow Trail and Sarcee Trail. It's not interstate standard, but a 80 km/h urban freeway is a lot better than a 50 km/h arterial street with traffic signals every 2-3 blocks (Stoney Trail could still function as the bypass).
The new interchange (SPUI) at TCH 1 & Bowfort Road in Calgary is now officially opened - http://globalnews.ca/news/3706937/city-officials-set-to-celebrate-official-opening-of-trans-canada-highwaybowfort-road-interchange-thursday/.
And on a more tragic note, more lives lost at the TCH 1 & 16 intersection near Portage La Prairie - http://globalnews.ca/video/3686666/small-manitoba-town-mourning-devastating-loss-of-father-and-2-young-sons.
Quote from: dmuzika on August 31, 2017, 03:32:53 PM
The new interchange (SPUI) at TCH 1 & Bowfort Road in Calgary is now officially opened - http://globalnews.ca/news/3706937/city-officials-set-to-celebrate-official-opening-of-trans-canada-highwaybowfort-road-interchange-thursday/.
And on a more tragic note, more lives lost at the TCH 1 & 16 intersection near Portage La Prairie - http://globalnews.ca/video/3686666/small-manitoba-town-mourning-devastating-loss-of-father-and-2-young-sons.
I've been waiting for confirmation that this project was complete. I knew it was supposed to be done soon, but wasn't sure exactly when. Now if only someone could fix it on Google Maps... it has it as an at-grade crossing. TCH should be marked freeway I think to east of Sarcee as well. I reported it to Google but have not received any sort of response.
One thing though: was there an exit number assigned to this new interchange? (I doubt it but wanted to be sure).
Quote from: SignGeek101 on August 31, 2017, 11:21:15 PM
Quote from: dmuzika on August 31, 2017, 03:32:53 PM
The new interchange (SPUI) at TCH 1 & Bowfort Road in Calgary is now officially opened - http://globalnews.ca/news/3706937/city-officials-set-to-celebrate-official-opening-of-trans-canada-highwaybowfort-road-interchange-thursday/.
And on a more tragic note, more lives lost at the TCH 1 & 16 intersection near Portage La Prairie - http://globalnews.ca/video/3686666/small-manitoba-town-mourning-devastating-loss-of-father-and-2-young-sons.
I've been waiting for confirmation that this project was complete. I knew it was supposed to be done soon, but wasn't sure exactly when. Now if only someone could fix it on Google Maps... it has it as an at-grade crossing. TCH should be marked freeway I think to east of Sarcee as well. I reported it to Google but have not received any sort of response.
One thing though: was there an exit number assigned to this new interchange? (I doubt it but wanted to be sure).
I haven't been out there to check it out, but I suspect no. The Sarcee Trail, located just east Bowfort Road and the true east end of the freeway, is being reconstructed and had new gantries install, does not have an exit number. TCH 1 between Calgary and BC would get an "incomplete" grade when it comes to exit numbers. Only the section maintained by Alberta Transportation currently have exit numbers, so western segment in Calgary (maintained by the city) and within Banff National Park, do not. Considering that Yellowhead Trail (TCH 16) is maintained by the City of Edmonton and has exit numbers, exit numbers on TCH 1 west should be added.
Edit: Went out to Banff this weekend, not all the signage is up yet but so far, no exit number.
I should had posted this one sooner, the Massey Tunnel bridge replacelement
who as put on hold.
http://vancouversun.com/news/politics/ndp-cancels-construction-on-george-massey-bridge-project
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/massey-tunnel-update-sept-6-1.4277357
http://globalnews.ca/news/3722787/b-c-government-orders-independent-review-of-george-massey-tunnel-replacement/
A couple videos on the Regina Bypass courtesy of the construction team. It appears that the new (mostly freeway) bypass will become the new Highway 1 through Regina.
https://twitter.com/reginabypass/status/908753348899115008
https://twitter.com/reginabypass/status/912443136571449346
It appears that phase 1 will open on time next month. The White City and Balgonie interchanges are already complete and the RIRO's are nearing completion as well (still not correct on Google Maps including the fact that it should be now marked freeway) :angry:
Here is a link to the cameras: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/regina-bypass/regina-bypass-cameras
Quote from: dmuzika on July 19, 2017, 01:52:42 PM
Personally, I would like to see the TCH follow Glenmore Trail through Calgary, incidentally Glenmore is now free-flow in the same area where 16 Ave N (TCH 1) has the majority of its traffic signals - between Barlow Trail and Sarcee Trail. It's not interstate standard, but a 80 km/h urban freeway is a lot better than a 50 km/h arterial street with traffic signals every 2-3 blocks (Stoney Trail could still function as the bypass).
Unfortunately, the new Sarcee\1 interchange will have a traffic light to access 34th Ave. But the TCH following Sarcee/Glenmore (renumbered as 1) would still be better. Has that ever been considered?
Quote from: Transportfan on September 27, 2017, 11:51:32 AM
Unfortunately, the new Sarcee\1 interchange will have a traffic light to access 34th Ave. But the TCH following Sarcee/Glenmore (renumbered as 1) would still be better. Has that ever been considered?
Technically, Sarcee Trail-WB 16 Ave traffic would avoid the light, but point taken. IMO, there should have been a 2 lane flyover constructed connecting NB Sarcee Trail to WB 16 Ave. I think with the focus shifted to the future West Ring Road (Stoney Trail between Glenmore Trail & 16 Ave NW), maybe that explains it.
I don't think Glenmore Trail has been studied as an alternate alignment since the 1960s; one major challenge is the the Glenmore Reservoir is a drinking water source, so Class 6 Dangerous Goods are prohibited over the Glenmore Causeway. Saying that, I'm curious how Class 6 Dangerous Goods will be handled where Tsuut'ina Trail (Hwy 201) crosses the Elbow River upstream from the reservoir. If TCH 1 was realigned, Stoney Trail could function as the bypass.
Other alignments were proposed, from a cancelled freeway a few blocks north of the current alignment in the 1960s, to an alignment that would follow Hwys 901 & 22X from Gliechen to Calgary and the follow the south and west perimeters - the latter being cancelled as it was too much of a bypass. A good read is https://calgaryringroad.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/the-trans-canada-highway-and-the-ring-road/.
Phase 1 of the Regina Bypass has opened: http://www.reginabypass.ca/phase-one-of-the-regina-bypass-complete/
http://regina.ctvnews.ca/first-phase-of-regina-bypass-construction-complete-1.3655328
I believe it makes the Trans Canada freeway status from Tower Road to SK 10 east of Balgonie. It also looks like the new Bypass will carry the TCH designation (although Saskatchewan may decide to keep the current alignment also TC1, a similar thing happened in Saskatoon with the Yellowhead).
Now let's see how long it will take to get this onto Google Maps :-/ :banghead:
Evidently the Pilot Butte diverging diamond interchange is not yet completed, though August 2017 imagery in Google Earth shows that the overpass is already in place (but not completed).
(https://i.imgur.com/d6QKLe7.jpg)
Quote from: Chris on November 01, 2017, 04:34:07 AM
Evidently the Pilot Butte diverging diamond interchange is not yet completed, though August 2017 imagery in Google Earth shows that the overpass is already in place (but not completed).
(https://i.imgur.com/d6QKLe7.jpg)
I realized that after. Though it is very close to completion.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DNMO8QZUQAY7S0S.jpg)
That first photo looks a bit dated, judging from the second photo:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DNQITyFUQAALO76.jpg:large)
Signs were erected a couple weeks ago and
I still suspect they will open it at least partially this year (though not fully). If not, for sure by next summer.
UPDATE AND EDIT:
Looks like I was right. Part of the Pilot Butte interchange will open this Saturday.
http://www.reginabypass.ca/regina-bypass-traffic-update-as-of-november-1/
The Pilot Butte diverging diamond interchange partially opened today. Here is a pdf showing the opened parts:
http://www.reginabypass.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Pilot-Butte-bridge-Nov-2017.pdf
The rest of it will be done by next fall.
Also, here is a drone video taken showing the interchanges. The new signs installed are also visible (Highway 1 is now rerouted along the new bypass).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OJ3c-9W2dY
Quote from: SignGeek101 on November 04, 2017, 11:44:48 PM
Also, here is a drone video taken showing the interchanges. The new signs installed are also visible (Highway 1 is now rerouted along the new bypass).
Looks like highway 1 will be rerouted over the bypass, at least once the bypass segment west of highway 33 to highway 1 is completed (scheduled for 2019). But I'm curious whether highway 1/TCH signage has been moved to highway 33 between the new bypass and the old route at Ring Road, or has been removed from Victoria Avenue and Ring Road north of highway 33. (The video shows no route signage for Victoria Avenue at its new exit from highway 1.) Maybe treat this as a reroute still in progress, but incomplete for the next few years?
Quote from: oscar on November 05, 2017, 10:01:16 AM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on November 04, 2017, 11:44:48 PM
Also, here is a drone video taken showing the interchanges. The new signs installed are also visible (Highway 1 is now rerouted along the new bypass).
But I'm curious whether highway 1/TCH signage has been moved to highway 33 between the new bypass and the old route at Ring Road, or has been removed from Victoria Avenue and Ring Road north of highway 33. (The video shows no route signage for Victoria Avenue at its new exit from highway 1.) Maybe treat this as a reroute still in progress, but incomplete for the next few years?
That's the million dollar question it seems. I guess we'll find out once the bypass is fully complete. I'm guessing Highway 1 will be completely rerouted to the new alignment. But, they could also do something like they did for Saskatoon with the Yellowhead; have two alignments, one for the north ring road, and one for the south.
Compare old imagery:
https://goo.gl/maps/PJZKPj9FTAD2
To the new one:
https://goo.gl/maps/XKqYrXmsdD82
QuoteDrivers confused by conflicting signage for Regina Bypass
The opening of the first phase of the Regina Bypass caused a bit of mayhem on Arcola Street.
Signs were posted indicating vehicles could use the bypass and avoid going through the city to get to Moose Jaw.
However, when truck drivers went to use the road, they found out that part of the bypass wasn't opened. Instead, they'd need to take Arcola Avenue and cut through Regina.
http://www.ckom.com/syn/648/168870/drivers-confused-by-conflicting-signage-for-regina-bypass
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.socastsrm.com%2Fwordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F648%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F11%2FP1050206-e1510096110584.jpg&hash=da6e9c6a4dada4329371c479889ec25cfa4b66b8)
I'm not surprised that happened. At this point, they ought to just cover up the "Moose Jaw" part of the sign until the bypass is open all the way to the existing TCH on the other side of town.
Quote from: compdude787 on November 08, 2017, 10:59:16 PM
I'm not surprised that happened. At this point, they ought to just cover up the "Moose Jaw" part of the sign until the bypass is open all the way to the existing TCH on the other side of town.
Better still, temporarily cover up "Moose Jaw" with "To Arcola Ave", and add a "To" left of the TCH marker.
The Regina Bypass project managers have indicated overhead signs will be changed to address motorist confusion, though I don't know how.
Article about the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and the Alberta border.
Around the Bend: Trans-Canada mountainous route can be death-defying, but hope lies aheadCalgary Herald - December 1, 2017
QuoteApart from those who call places like Revelstoke and Salmon Arm home, plus long-haul truckers, it is Calgarians for whom the mountainous stretch of the TCH is most vital. We are a wandering breed, and since our vacation compasses point west at a disproportionate rate, we have come to view the TCH as our road, our gateway to temperate climes, deep-snow skiing, lake life and, if we're lucky, only occasional bouts of abject terror.
Therefore, if you recently found yourself slowly traversing the construction-dotted TCH–or worse, suffering through one of its, on average, 64 unplanned closures per year–your heart may have skipped a beat upon spying the B.C. government signs trumpeting tax dollars at work in what reads like a latter-day miracle: "Kamloops to Alberta Four-laning Program."
Seriously? Is this something that could actually occur in our lifetime?
Spoiler alert: Be prepared to live a long time yet.
http://calgaryherald.com/life/swerve/around-the-bend-trans-canada-mountainous-route-can-be-death-defying-but-hope-lies-ahead (http://calgaryherald.com/life/swerve/around-the-bend-trans-canada-mountainous-route-can-be-death-defying-but-hope-lies-ahead)
There's some proposal to reconfigure the SK-11/TCH-16 cloverleaf interchange in Saskatoon. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/280-million-revamp-saskatoon-cloverleaf-interchange-1.4539782
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on February 20, 2018, 07:48:57 AM
There's some proposal to reconfigure the SK-11/TCH-16 cloverleaf interchange in Saskatoon. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/280-million-revamp-saskatoon-cloverleaf-interchange-1.4539782
I've heard about this. Considering it's 10-15 years down the road, we'll have to wait and see if anything happens with this. The Saskatchewan Government may want to build the new Saskatoon Freeway first.
An update on the Highway 1 Twinning in Yoho Park:
The construction of (one of?) the wildlife overpass(es) is complete. It is apparently the longest in the world. Can't tell much about the status of the twinning itself though. The 6 km section is supposed to be complete sometime this Spring.
https://okanaganedge.net/2017/10/16/building-worlds-largest-crossing/
Here is a short video on the construction of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f47fpRPSsqY
The overpass is located here: https://goo.gl/maps/a95KJjWZBVu
The Alberta government is looking to twin the Peace River bridge (http://"https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/6036.htm") in the town of Peace River. I found this film that was done when the current highway bridge was opened in 1968. Previous to the present highway bridge, automobile traffic used the railway bridge, which is still in service.
The second DDI in Canada opened this weekend in Pilot Butte SK (east of Regina). The video below includes a timelapse drive of the new interchange. Signage is consistent with US DDI's.
https://regina.ctvnews.ca/sask-s-first-diverging-diamond-interchange-opens-east-of-regina-1.3836854
This interchange is part of the Regina Bypass. It opened 20 months early.
https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=17/50.44760/-104.43506
An update on the Yellowhead Trail freeway conversion project planning in Edmonton:
https://www.cea.ca/files/TriParty2018-Presentations/Plenary%20C%20-%20Natalie%20Lazurko%20-%20Yellowhead%20Trail%20Freeway%20Conversion%20Program.pdf
Construction is supposedly supposed to start next year.
Video of the first phase of the Regina By-pass in Saskatchewan:
Thanks for posting this!
On the signs approaching the bypass from the east, route markers indicating that the TCH follows the bypass have been covered in greenout, with temporary signs that the bypass is just for local traffic to Arcola Ave. (SK 33). Also, signage on westbound Arcola approaching the Ring Rd. says that the TCH still follows the Ring Rd. both north and south of that interchange. This clarifies that the TCH hasn't been rerouted, at least not until the next phase of the bypass is completed.
Oh so they're building an entirely new Ring Road rather than just tying into the existing one on the south side of town. Okay.
I guess they want to leave room for future development inside the new ring but at this point this seems like a weird decision since this adds 5 km or so over the existing route, about the same to a bypass tying directly into the existing Ring Rd near SK 6.
Since all you're really bypassing that isn't already a freeway is a 5 km section of divided highway with a few signalized intersections... the time savings of using the bypass will be marginal at best outside of busy hours.
I drove through there heading westbound last week and can confirm that the new mainline where it diverges from the old is still signed as "To Arcola Av" with the TCH 1 shield greened out.
The Trans-Canada will definitely be rerouted across the new bypass:
(https://i.imgur.com/3gSGhSS.jpg)
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on June 03, 2018, 09:20:17 PM
Video of the first phase of the Regina By-pass in Saskatchewan:
Thanks for posting this! As a CFL fan, I enjoyed seeing the side trip to new Mosaic, home of #RiderNation (BTW, nice win over the defending Grey Cup champs on Friday). Regina looks like a beautiful city, hope to visit there someday.
It's been a busy week in Calgary as politicians come to Stampede bearing gifts, is an election on the horizion?
- The final, west leg of the ring road (AB 201 / Stoney Trail) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/west-ring-road-calgary-construction-2019-province-1.4735307 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/west-ring-road-calgary-construction-2019-province-1.4735307)
- Airport Trail extension from 36 St NE to Stoney Trail, includes 2 interchanges at the airport - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-airport-trail-infrastructure-trudeau-1.4737534 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-airport-trail-infrastructure-trudeau-1.4737534)