Home / Disasters and Accidents / Alberta Plans to Close Popular Highway Viewpoint
Alberta Plans to Close Popular Highway Viewpoint
17 Sep
Summary
- Popular tourist viewpoint at Lac des Arcs to be removed.
- Area has seen 85 collisions since 2023 due to traffic merges.
- Government proposes replacing viewpoint with highway ramp extension.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) is proposing the closure of the Lac des Arcs viewpoint, a well-liked tourist destination situated between Kananaskis and Canmore. This action is prompted by persistent safety issues at the site along the Trans-Canada Highway.
The current layout creates a hazardous situation where westbound highway drivers merge into the right lane for the viewpoint, coinciding with local traffic exiting Lac des Arcs. Since 2023, the area has recorded 85 motor vehicle collisions, ranging from minor sideswipes to multi-car pileups.
TEC plans to close the pullout and extend the westbound on-ramp from the Lac des Arcs overpass. This $1.4 million project aims to mitigate the risks associated with the busy traffic flow. Once funding is secured, design and construction will commence, despite some public disappointment over losing the scenic spot.
