The prospect of median closures at major highway intersections in the area is still very much on the cards.

In particular, the intersections of Highway 2 and 306, 338 and 370 Ave have been identified as areas where closures would be of benefit, with the Town of Okotoks and Foothills County supporting the notion.

A recent study from Watt Consulting indicated median closures would present an immediate safety benefit, and wouldn’t be disruptive to local traffic flow.

It’s the latest of several studies concerning intersections in the region, including the South & East Calgary Transportation Study, which suggested an interchange at 338th Ave would provide a solution to safety concerns.

The town and county have been working with Alberta Transportation (AT), which is the ultimate authority when it comes to decisions affecting travel on the highway.

Town of Okotoks Development and Engineering Manager Jeremy Huet says that means there’s no knowing when those closures will happen.

“The timing of both the median closures and the future potential interchange are contingent on AT’s budget and project prioritization.”

According to Huet, AT has indicated they’d be undertaking a functional design study for the interchange in collaboration with the municipalities, and that it’ll take a few years to complete.

He says the town is aware of the 338th Ave intersection's importance in the region as well as its reputation, which is why these studies have been undertaken.

“338 functions as critical access to both Okotoks and Foothills County residents. Of course, as we grow, 338 is of strategic importance to the town and the best solution, of course, is to build an interchange, both from a safety and strategic perspective, but it could take a number of years to advance up the provincial prioritization to be constructed.”

 

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