The Province is eyeing a 2026 start date for construction of the Highway 11 twinning project south and east of Rocky Mountain House – months later than originally projected.
Titled ‘Project A’, original projections saw construction starting early-to-mid 2025, with a completion date of November 2025.
Project A would see an additional two lanes of highway be constructed from the south end of Rocky Mountain House to one kilometer east of Hwy 22.
Project B would see it extend further east to meet up with the completed four lane road near Benalto.
A spokesperson from the provincial department of Transportation & Economic Corridors says that anticipated 2026 green light is contingent on the completion right-of-way negotiations with landowners along the route.
It adds in the meantime, a detailed design is in progress and it has settled on ‘Option 1’ for Project A, which would see the additional two lanes be constructed south of the existing highway.
Following a public feedback session, the Province of Alberta has selected ‘Option 1’, which would see two new lanes of Hwy. 11 traffic be constructed south of the existing road. (Government of Alberta)
The proposed design calls for a roundabout to be constructed at the intersection of Hwy. 11 and 22, with a more traditional four lane intersection to be built at Hwy 11 and Township Rd. 392 on the southern outskirts of Rocky Mountain House.
Jeff Hartling, economic development officer for the Town of Rocky Mountain House says the fledgling project will be of great benefit to the Town’s economy.
“Over the years, attention to the David Thompson Country tourism side of things has really enhanced,” says Hartling. “The government has seen that there’s opportunity for growth.”
Hartling points to not only increased economic activity from heavy truck traffic, but also added safety, as the constant presence of heavy trucks on the existing single lane highway has raised safety concerns over the years.
The completed highway is also expected to increase economic activity throughout the entire region, says Luz Marisol Lepe-Leon, marketing technician and interim economic development officer for Clearwater County.
That includes more jobs, as she says the sectors of tourism, hospitality and the service industry will likely get a boost upon the highway’s completion – notably in the Nordegg and Bighorn Canyon areas.
Lepe-Leon also points to diversification and stabilization of the economy, as increased tourism will help the local economy reduce reliance on oil and gas, forestry and agriculture, which she says are prone to vulnerability and fluctuations.
The Hwy. 11 twinning project would also spur on the ongoing revitalization of Nordegg.
“The historic town site of Nordegg, once a bustling coal mining community, has immense potential for revitalization,” says Lepe-Leon. “Plans to develop residential and commercial properties, alongside new amenities, will rejuvenate the town, attract new residents and businesses, and celebrate its rich history.”
Officials with Clearwater County say the Hwy. 11 twinning project will help with the revitalization effort underway in Nordegg. (Clearwater County)
The province held a public information session regarding the project earlier in 2024. You can see the entire presentation here.
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RELATED
- Highway 11 twinning included in infrastructure budget
- First phase of twinning Highway 11 project complete
- Petition started to get roundabout installed north of Rocky Mountain House
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