A major highway bypass is being studied for the QEII near Calgary
A future bypass could eventually give drivers an alternative route around Highway 2 east of Airdrie, and the province is now studying where exactly it could go.
A functional planning study is underway to explore options for a future bypass running from the northeast corner of Stoney Trail, east of Airdrie, to Highway 2 near Carstairs.
The study comes as traffic continues to increase along the busy stretch of highway.
The highway currently has six lanes between Calgary and Airdrie, with about 125,000 vehicles travelling through the corridor every day. Additionally, around 35,000 vehicles travel near Crossiron Mills daily.
The province says the highway is expected to reach capacity within the next 20 to 30 years, with plans to eventually expand the section to as many as 10 lanes.
As the area continues to grow, the province says a future bypass route will be needed to accommodate the increasing traffic demand.
“A proposed bypass would ultimately serve as an alternative route around the congested areas on Highway 2 and provide a more convenient connection for trucks travelling between Highway 2 and Highway 1,” the province said.
As for where exactly the bypass will go and what it’ll look like, that information is still a long way away.
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The province says the study first has to look at potential routes, local road connections, interchanges, and property impacts, along with environmental and wildlife considerations.
That also includes feedback from nearby landowners, businesses, municipalities, and the public.
The study will also look at moving the existing Vehicle Inspection Station in Balzac. The province says relocating the station could help address traffic congestion and slowdowns in the area.
The planning study began in mid-2026, with the first public information session taking place on Sept. 15, and online public engagement will run until Sept. 29, 2026.
Concept options are expected to be presented in December, followed by a recommended plan for public feedback in June 2027. The final recommended plan is expected by the end of 2027.
There is currently no timeline for construction.
You can find more details about the project on the Alberta Government website.