After much discussion with family, friends, neighbours and those we know in surrounding communities, I am taking on the task of writing to all of you with our thoughts regarding the plans for a new interchange at Highway 1A and Highway 22 in Cochrane. The general consensus was: why not use the same infrastructure plan as the TransCanada Highway and Highway 22 interchange? With a few modifications and perhaps a shift of the centre of the interchange to the northwest somewhat, it seems like the most efficient option.
We have seen plans that would change the current one traffic light configuration to a two light traffic configuration. Although it might create a better flow on Highway 22, it appears that is going to create slowdowns for those on Highway 1A and accessing Highway 1A from Highway 22. We say let’s get rid of traffic lights altogether! A free flow system such as the one currently at TransCanada Highway and Highway 22 works amazingly well without traffic lights whatsoever. Think of Highway 1A and Crowchild Trail, it free flows just fine up until 24th Avenue where massive backups begin – case in point for no lights!
I’ve taken the Highway 1 and Highway 22 interchange plan and updated it to what could very well work best for Highway 1A and Highway 22, albeit with some modifications as required by space/land limitations. I have not drawn in the railway tracks, but clearly there would need to be ramps over top of the tracks in all instances unless there is the option to shift the entire interchange more northwest in orientation, that could potentially reduce the number of bridges and ramps needed over the tracks.
We understand there may be issues around the land required to create a full cloverleaf with no lights interchange, but as seen from above, the land is there, it’s just a matter of working through the details with CPR and landowners it would seem. Where there is a will there is a way! And this seems to make the most sense for the future of this town and adjoining communities.
As a Cochrane resident since 1999, I am happy to hear that something will be done about the Highway 1A and Highway 22 intersection but my hope is that the planning and ultimate construction will make sense not just for now, but for the future. As our surrounding communities grow, access through Cochrane is only going to increase. A version of the Highway 1 and Highway 22 interchange would be best – hands down. With the considerable cost involved, let’s get this right from the start.
Now, if we could just twin Highway 22 between Cochrane and the TransCanada Highway, that would help immensely too! But I guess that is another story.
