Closures on hold
Strathcona County was informed by the Office of the Minister that the closure of Range Roads 224 and 225 has been delayed. The province will monitor operational issues and traffic volumes at these intersections and adjust access accordingly as development in the area progresses.
The plan remains to eventually close north access to Range Roads 224 and 225 at Highway 16. However, these closures will not be occurring at this time.
The Alberta Government is leading several roadway improvements on Highway 16 to maintain safety on this high-speed freeway.
Currently on hold, plans include permanently closing access to Range Roads 224 and 225 from the north side of Highway 16 in the spring of 2024.
South accesses from Highway 16 to the two range roads will remain open for the time being.
Background
The decision to close these access points was made by the provincial government following a Traffic Impact Assessment conducted in 2009.
The findings were that the two intersections would be required to close in 10 to 15 years to ensure safety based on an expected increase in traffic volumes from future development in the area.
Based on the results, Strathcona County signed a Freeway Intersection Removal Agreement in 2012 in order for future development to be approved.
History
- 2024 – Plans to to close access to Range Roads 224 and 225 from the north side of Highway 16 put on hold.
- 2023 – The Government of Alberta scheduled the access closures to occur in 2024 to coincide with other planned highway improvements along Highway 16, and to meet the intersection closure timelines.
- 2012 – Freeway Intersection Removal Agreement (FIRA) signed between Alberta Government and Strathcona County to remove the two intersections in 10 to 15 years.
- 2010 – The findings of the TIA were that the Range Road 224 and Range Road 225 intersections, on the north side of Highway 16, would be required to close in 10 to 15 years.
- 2009 – Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) conducted in response to a subdivision north of Highway 16 applying to develop additional lots.
Long-term plans for interchanges on Highway 16
The province’s long-term plan for Highway 16 involves removing all existing accesses between Highway 21 and Range Road 210 and replacing them with interchanges at key locations. The timeline for these changes will be determined by the province as development progresses.
The tentative locations for future interchanges are Range Road 222, Highway 830, and Range Road 211, but this is subject to change. As part of the Area Concept Plan for Bremner, an additional interchange is expected near Range Road 224 and a partial interchange at Range Road 223. These are yet to be confirmed.
Access for farming operations and equipment
If there are questions about the most appropriate and safe route, contact us for advice and support.
Emergency access in the area
Strathcona County has requested that the province include locked emergency access gates in their design for both Range Road 224 and Range Road 225. It has not been confirmed if this request will be accepted.
A new fire hall is planned in Cambrian Crossing and is expected to be constructed within five years, pending Council approval.
Further information:
Inquiries about the projects:
Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors
Government of Alberta
780-968-4216
Questions for Strathcona County:
Transportation Engineering and Operations
Phone: 780-417-7100
Submit an inquiry through County Connect
