The Cochrane Eagle is asking candidates an issue-based question each week leading up to the election that they will answer in their own words. If a candidate does not answer a question, we will include a bio box with a disclaimer saying the candidate did not respond. All candidates were given a limit of 185 words and questions will be edited to fit that length. Our third question is:
How do you plan to address the town’s growing traffic congestion?
Cochrane currently has two major road projects started, or in process. We have the second bridge over the Bow, and of course the highways 22 and 1A overpass slated to start in 2018.
Two pedestrian crossings are in the works. One at the CPR tracks at Grand Blvd. and the other at Horse Creek Road which will be built in 2018. A CPR underpass at Centre Avenue is being planned for 2025. Twinning Highways 1A and 22 will be projects that will be continued to be pushed for. With the twinning of these two highways, additional exits from Fireside and Sunset can be achieved.
The bridge project has plans for a pedestrian walkway and adequate cycling lanes. The new underpass at highways 22 & 1A will need safe cycling lanes.
A three-metre wide walking and cycling corridor is planned for Heartland that will parallel the tracks from Highway 22 to Horse Creek Road. I want to create a safe crossing of Highway 22. Yes, we need roads. We also need walking paths, cycling lanes and transit to be included in Cochrane’s traffic plans.
