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Alberta Highway 2

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Highway 2 marker

Highway 2

Map
Highway 2 highlighted in red
Route information
Maintained by Alberta Ministry of Transportation
Length1,273 km[a](791 mi)
Major junctions
South endUS 89atU.S. borderinCarway
Major intersections
North endHwy 43nearGrande Prairie
Location
CountryCanada
ProvinceAlberta
Specialized and rural municipalities
Major citiesCalgary,Airdrie,Red Deer,Lacombe,Leduc,Edmonton,St. Albert
Highway system
←Hwy 1X→Hwy 2A

Alberta Provincial Highway No. 2,commonly referred to asHighway 2or theQueen Elizabeth II Highway,[b]is a majorhighwayinAlbertathat stretches from theCanada–United States borderthroughCalgaryandEdmontontoGrande Prairie.Running primarily north to south for approximately 1,273 kilometres (791 mi), it is the longest and busiest highway in the province carrying more than 170,000 vehicles per day nearDowntown Calgary.TheFort Macleod—Edmonton section forms a portion of theCANAMEX Corridorthat links Alaska to Mexico. More than half of Alberta's 4 million residents live in theCalgary–Edmonton Corridorcreated by Highway 2.

U.S. Route 89enters Alberta fromMontanaand becomes Highway 2, a two-lane road that traverses the foothills of southern Alberta to Fort Macleod where it intersectsHighway 3and becomesdivided.In Calgary, the route is a busyfreewaynamedDeerfoot Trailthat continues into central Alberta as theQueen Elizabeth IIHighway, bypassingRed Deer.In Edmonton, it is brieflyconcurrentwith freeway sections ofHighways 216and16before bisectingSt. Albertand reverting to two lanes en route toAthabasca.It bends northwest along the south shore ofLesser Slave Lakeas theNorthern Woods and Water RouteintoHigh Prairie,before turning north toPeace River,west toFairviewand finally south to Grande Prairie where it ends atHighway 43.

Originally numbered as Highway 1, Highway 2 is the oldest major highway in Alberta and the first to stretch north into thePeace Country.It was historically known as theCalgary and Edmonton Trail,Sunshine Trail, and the Blue Trail. Major changes include the construction of a divided expressway between Calgary and Edmonton in the 1960s, realignment along Deerfoot Trail in the 1980s, andtwinningsouth ofNantonin the 1990s. A Highway 43 realignment in 1998 shortened Highway 2 by nearly 90 km (56 mi) to its current northern terminus in Grande Prairie; it previously extended west toBritish Columbia Highway 2at the border.[3]Several projects includingmedianwidening andinterchangeupgrades have been undertaken in the 2010s to increase the safety of the highway's busier sections, with further improvements either under construction or awaiting funding. Bypasses of Fort Macleod,Claresholm,and Nanton are planned as part of Alberta's effort to make its portion of theCANAMEX Corridorfree-flowing from border to border.

Route description

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Overview

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Highway 2 map

Much of Highway 2 is a core route in theNational Highway Systemof Canada: between Fort Macleod and Edmonton and between Donnelly and Grimshaw. The speed limit along most parts of the highway between Fort Macleod and Morinville is 110 km/h (68 mph), and in urban areas, such as through Claresholm, Nanton, Calgary and Edmonton, it ranges from 50 km/h (31 mph) to 110 km/h (68 mph). During the winter, accidents are common on the stretch of the highway between Calgary and Edmonton as the weather can change rapidly and drivers underestimate the conditions, overwhelming emergency services attempting to respond.[4]As the main north–south access in Alberta, Highway 2 is the preferred path of the CANAMEX Corridor.[5]Between Fort Macleod and Morinville, Highway 2 maintains no fewer than four lanes of traffic and is largely afreewaybetweenOkotoksand Edmonton, with improvements underway to eliminate the at-grade crossings that remain.[6]

Alberta Highway 2 is a lightly travelled, four lane divided highway through farmlands near Claresholm, Alberta.
Highway 2 is a lightly travelled divided highway near Claresholm.
Near De Winton, Highway 2A splits southwest toward the bedroom community of Okotoks, Alberta, connecting it to Calgary.
Near De Winton, Highway 2A splits to the southwest, connecting Calgary to Okotoks.

Southern Alberta

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Foothills

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Highway 2 begins at the United States border, as the two laneU.S. Route 89crosses into Canada at Carway.[7]The road proceeds north through theRocky Mountain Foothillsto a brief concurrency withHighway 501,before bisecting the town ofCardston.[8]At the north end of town, the highway entersBlood Indian Reserve No. 148andHighway 5splits west toWaterton Lakes National Park;it is briefly concurrent with Highway 2 before splitting east to cross theSt. Mary Riveren route toMagrathandLethbridge.Highway 2 continues north to another short concurrency withHighway 505during which it crosses theWaterton RivertoStand Off,continuing across theBelly RivertoFort Macleodin theMunicipal District of Willow Creek.[6]

Less than 1 km before meeting Highway 3 southeast of Fort Macleod, Highway 2 becomes a divided highway.[6]Highway 3 splits east to Lethbridge, and the combined Highways 2 and 3 turn due west through town as a divided highway at a speed limit of 50 km/h. West of town, the highways diverge at an interchange; Highway 3 continues west as theCrowsnest HighwaytoPincher CreekandBritish Columbia,and Highway 2 turns north across theOldman Riveras a divided highway.[9]It continues approximately 25 km (16 mi) north toGranumfrom whichHighway 519splits to the east. In tandem withHighway 23,Highway 519 is often used by CANAMEX traffic to bypass Fort Macleod.[10]Further north on Highway 2, the towns of Claresholm and Nanton are each bisected at a reduced speed limit of 50 km/h. The highway is concurrent withHighway 533for its brief distance through Nanton.[11]

North of Nanton, the highway continues into theFoothills Countyto a major junction with Highways 23 and2AatHigh River,after which it veers northwest to cross theHighwood River.[9]On the other side of the river, a second interchange provides access to Okotoks via Highways7and 2A, and Highway 2 continues north across theSheep RivertoDe Wintonwhere Highway 2A splits into southwest Calgary asMacleod Trail,and Highway 2 veers northeast toward theBow Rivervalley and southeast Calgary.[12]

Deerfoot Trail
Length:46 km (29 mi)
South end:Hwy 2Anear De Winton
North end:Hwy 201,north Calgary

Calgary

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Main article:Deerfoot Trail

From its split with Macleod Trail, Highway 2 becomes a major freeway named Deerfoot Trail that descends to cross the Bow River before entering Calgary city limits. In the city it crosses the river twice more, jogging back and forth between its east and west bank.[12][13]The freeway intersects theStoney Trailring roadat the south end of Calgary, with signage recommending that traffic en route toCalgary International Airport,Edmonton, andMedicine Hatuse eastbound Stoney Trail as a bypass.[14]Deerfoot Trail then merges with the major routes of Anderson Road and Bow Bottom Trail. Crossing Glenmore Trail (Highway 8),Memorial Drive(access to downtown Calgary) and16 Avenue NE(Highway 1), Deerfoot Trail continues into north Calgary past theCalgary International Airporten route to a second interchange with Stoney Trail at the Calgary city limit. The Deerfoot Trail designation is dropped, and the highway carries on north intoRocky View County.[15]

Central Alberta

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Queen Elizabeth II Highway

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Queen Elizabeth II Highway
Length:261 km[16](162 mi)
South end:Hwy 201,north Calgary
North end:41 Avenue SW, Edmonton
The Queen Elizabeth II Highway bisects Airdrie.

Highway 2 exits north Calgary as a six-lane freeway called theQueen Elizabeth II Highway,a name it retains until the southern city limit of Edmonton.[15]It passes the major shopping centre ofCrossIron Mills,bisecting the city ofAirdrieseveral kilometres later.[8]North of Airdrie, the route extends toHighway 72before bypassingCrossfieldand enteringMountain View County,continuing north past interchanges at Highways581and582leading to the communities ofCarstairsandDidsbury,respectively. The highway meetsHighway 27at a cloverleaf interchange nearOlds,approximately halfway between Calgary and Red Deer. Highway 2 entersRed Deer Countyand proceeds to interchanges withHighway 587atBowden,Highways54and590atInnisfail,andHighway 42nearPenholdprior to the city of Red Deer. South of the city, from McKenzie Road to 19 Street, the highway widens to six lanes through an area known asGasoline Alley.It is a popular stop for travellers and truckers including fuel stations and food establishments on either side of the highway, accessible via the interchange at McKenzie Road.[17]Continuing north the highway again reduces to four lanes, veering left to bypass Red Deer to the west while Gaetz Avenue splits north into the city.[18]

West of Red Deer, Highway 2 passesRed Deer Collegeand theAlberta Sports Hall of Famebefore descending into the valley of theRed Deer River.[9]It crosses the river alongside a railroad bridge, then curves north to interchanges with Highways11and11A,leading west toRocky Mountain HouseandSylvan Lake,respectively.[19]North of 11A, the highway crosses theBlindman RiverintoLacombe Countyto an interchange withHighway 597atBlackfalds,curving slightly northeast to an interchange atHighway 12atLacombe.[8]

Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Leduc and Edmonton

North of Lacombe, Highway 2 is again briefly concurrent with Highway 2A before reachingHighway 53nearPonokajust after crossing theBattle River.[20]The four lane highway continues approximately 30 km (19 mi) through gentle rolling hills ofaspen parklandinPonoka Countyto an interchange atHighway 611where it entersWetaskiwin County.[21]Near Bearhills Lake, the highway meetsHighway 13,providing access east toWetaskiwinandCamrose,and west toPigeon Lake.North of an interchange withHighway 616the highway entersLeduc County,bending northeast toward the city ofLeduc.[8]

After entering Leduc city limits, Highway 2 meets Highway 2A, which proceeds southeast through Leduc's southern suburbs as a four lane arterial road. Highway 2 immediately travels overHighway 39at a diamond interchange, serving as the main access to central Leduc and ultimately leading west toDrayton Valley.Now six lanes wide, Highway 2 curves slightly to the northeast to pass on the east side ofEdmonton International Airport,still 13 km (8.1 mi) south of Edmonton city limits.[21]The grass median significantly widens to over 100 m (330 ft), and access to the airport andNiskuis provided by an interchange at Airport Road.[22]Traffic levels increase as commuters travel to and from the Leduc area to Edmonton, and the highway meets a second interchange atHighway 19/625which serves the airport. The highway curves slightly to the northeast to an interchange at 41 Avenue SW, marking the Edmonton city limit and the end of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway designation.[23]

Edmonton and Sturgeon County

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In Edmonton, Highway 2 follows Calgary Trail/Gateway Blvd, Whitemud Drive, Anthony Henday Drive, Yellowhead Trail, and St. Albert Trail.

Five separately named routes are designated as Highway 2 in the cities of Edmonton and St. Albert, denoted by varying levels of signage. At the south end of Edmonton, the highway significantly widens to five lanes each way. The northbound lanes becomeGateway Boulevardand the southbound lanesCalgary Trail,and the two carriageways diverge to pass Gateway Park, located in the median of the highway and accessible from both directions.[23]North of the park, the two directions of travel come back together, now at a reduced speed limit of 90 km/h (56 mph), to meet at the major east–west arterial ofEllerslie Road,providing access to Edmonton's southern residential areas ofHeritage Valley,Ellerslie,andSummerside.This diamond interchange is intertwined with the majorcloverstackinterchange atAnthony Henday Drive(Highway 216) which immediately follows. Henday is a ring road that surrounds Edmonton, connecting Highway 2 toHighway 16.Signage directs traffic destined forLloydminsterto use the southeast portion of Henday to reach Highway 16 north ofSherwood Park.Traffic destined forJasper,Cold Lake,andFort McMurrayare directed onto the southwest portion of Henday to reach Highway 16 at Edmonton's west end.[24]

The Quesnell Bridge, built in 1968, carries Highway 2 over the North Saskatchewan River in central Edmonton
The Quesnell Bridge, built in 1968, carries Highway 2 over the North Saskatchewan River in central Edmonton
Looking east at Morinville; Highway 2 passes west of the town
Looking east at Morinville; Highway 2 passes west of the town

The freeway ends as three lanes of Gateway Boulevard eventually widen to four, travelling north pastSouth Edmonton Commonthrough south Edmonton as a busy urban street toWhitemud Drive.[23]Calgary Trail carries the southbound lanes of Highway 2 approximately 225 m (738 ft) to the west of Gateway Boulevard. The designation of Highway 2 turns west onto Whitemud Drive and it becomes a freeway once again, though now only at 80 km/h (50 mph), unlike the 100 km/h limit of the highway through Calgary.[25]

Whitemud Drive descends to crossWhitemud Creekbefore curving north to span theNorth Saskatchewan Riveron the Quesnell Bridge.[23]It then turns back west to meet Anthony Henday Drive again, now in the vicinity ofWest Edmonton Mall.Henday assumes the designation of Highway 2 for a 6.7 km (4 mi) stretch toYellowhead Trail(Highway 16), though the concurrency is unsigned. Yellowhead Trail continues east into Edmonton as a six lane freeway, again unsigned as Highway 2, untilSt. Albert Trailwhich proceeds northwest through light industrial and commercial areas before crossing Anthony Henday Drive to exit Edmonton intoSt. Albert.[23]The six lane road is the main artery of the city with a speed limit of 60 km/h (37 mph), and crosses theSturgeon Riverbefore exiting the city to the north intoSturgeon Countyas a divided highway approximately 5 km (3 mi) beyond the Sturgeon River. North of the city, the highway intersectsHighway 37before an interchange atHighway 642west ofMorinville,the main access for the town.[23]

Northern Alberta

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Westlock County and Athabasca

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Northern Woods and Water Route
Length:502 km (312 mi)[26]
West end:Hwy 49in Rycroft
East end:Hwy 55in Athabasca
West of the town of Athabasca, Highway 2 is part of the Northern Woods and Water Route

Highway 2 reduces to a two lane highway immediately after Morinville, extending north past Manawan and Haley Lakes intoWestlock Countyand athree-way intersectionwithHighway 18nearClydeandWestlock.[27]The highway turns due east, briefly concurrent with Highway 18 for 1 km, before turning northeast through increasingly wooded areas and a short concurrency withHighway 663toAthabasca.[8][28]The highway descends through the town at 50 km/h as 50 Street toward theAthabasca Rivervalley, before turning west to parallel the river as 50 Avenue.[29]From this point until its split with Highway 49 over 200 km (120 mi) to the west, Highway 2 is designated as the Northern Woods and Water Route.[30][31]

The speed limit returns to 100 km/h as the highway climbs from the valley towardBaptiste Lake.[32]At the lake, the two lane Highway 2 turns north to follow the west bank of the Athabasca River for approximately 35 km (22 mi) before turning west at Lawrence Lake toward the unincorporated community ofHondo.There, it meets the northern terminus ofHighway 44before crossing the river and continuing northwest for 50 km to the southern terminus ofHighway 88inSlave Lake.Highway 88 follows the east bank ofLesser Slave Lakebefore a long journey north toFort Vermilion.[9]In Slave Lake, Highway 2 bisects the town at a limit of 60 km/h, before returning to 100 km/h west of Caribou Trail, following the scenic southern shore of Lesser Slave Lake toHighway 33nearKinuso,which leads south toSwan Hills.AtDriftpilethe highway crosses a river of the same name en route toHigh Prairieat the west end of Lesser Slave Lake.[8][33]

Peace Country

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14 km (8.7 mi) west of High Prairie, the highway turns north pastWinagami Laketo the town ofMcLennanon the south shore of Kimiwan Lake. It carries on west to a junction withHighway 49,locally known as 'DonnellyCorner'.[34]The two lane highway proceeds north through aspen parkland past Lac Magloire to the town ofNampa,[35]after which it crosses theHeart River,a tributary ofPeace River.The highway then curves to the northwest and descends along the steep east bank of the Heart River into the town ofPeace River.[36]Apassing laneaids eastbound traffic climbing from the valley.

Highway 2 over the Peace River on theDunvegan Bridge

The two lane highway continues west through the town of Peace River before crossing the river of the same name. Climbing on the west bank of the river, it widens to four lanes and meetsAlberta Highway 684(Shaftesbury Trail) before exiting Peace River, reducing to two lanes, and passing north ofPeace River Airport.5 km (3.1 mi) eastCardinal Lake,Highway 2 meetsHighway 35,theMackenzie Highway.Highway 2 turns south toGrimshaw,while Highway 35 turns north, following the Peace River toHigh Level.[37]Highway 2 bisects Grimshaw as 51 Street, then exits the town before turning west shortly thereafter, winding through the aspen parkland of the Peace Country to the town ofFairview,in which a campus ofGrande Prairie Regional Collegeis immediately south of the highway. The road continues west out of Fairview as Highway 64A, while Highway 2 turns south to exit the town, curving west then south again toward the Peace River valley. It again curves west to descend along the river's steep north bank.[37]The highway crosses the Peace River on theDunvegan Bridge,a suspension bridge over 700 m (2,300 ft) long.[38][39]: 50 Passing lanes assist traffic climbing from the valley on both sides of the river.[37]

The highway continues 20 km (12 mi) south to the town ofRycroft,where Highway 49 splits west carrying the remainder of the Northern Woods and Water Route to the British Columbia border.[37]Highway 2 continues south toHighway 59where it becomes a divided highway before bisectingSexsmithand continuing toHighway 43north of Grande Prairie, its northern terminus from 1998 to 2019. Prior to 1998, Highway 2 followed Highway 43 intoBritish Columbia,where it becameBritish Columbia Highway 2toDawson Creek.In 2019, when Highway 43 was moved to Highway 43X and bypassed Grande Prairie, Highway 2 was extended 2.4 km (1.5 mi) south to Grande Prairie city limits along its former, pre-1998 alignment;[40]in Grande Prairie it becomes 100 Street.

Traffic

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Volume

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Traffic volumes (2019)[41]
Location Volume
Cardston 5,450
Fort Macleod 6,110
High River 18,760
Memorial Dr
Calgary		 173,500
32 St
Red Deer		 51,940
Nisku 99,710
Morinville 6,400
Peace River 14,430
Grande Prairie 23,620
Near Okotoks, Highway 2 carried more than 54,000 vehicles per day in 2019

Highway 2 has a wide range of traffic levels along its length. At the south end, the highway is a lightly travelled two-lane road from the United States border to Fort Macleod. It then doubles to four lanes and volume progressively increases until De Winton north of Okotoks, but remains relatively light.[42]Within Calgary, volume climbs exponentially on Deerfoot Trail through the southern suburbs of the city reaching more than 170,000 vehicles per day at Memorial Drive near downtown, making that stretch of Highway 2 the busiest roadway in western Canada. Volume swiftly drops north ofBeddington Trailin Calgary, but remains moderate on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway until Edmonton where it again increases to nearly 100,000 vehicles per day south of the city. Whitemud Drive, Anthony Henday Drive, Yellowhead Trail, and St. Albert Trail are all busy expressways carrying large volumes of local traffic, especially at peak hours. North of St. Albert the drop in traffic is brisk, increasingly so after Morinville where the highway is no longer divided. Volume remains very light through most of the Peace Country before briefly exceeding 20,000 vehicles per day near the northern terminus in Grande Prairie.[42]

Alberta Transportation publishes yearly traffic volume data for provincial highways.[42]The table compares theannual average daily traffic(AADT) at several locations along Highway 2 using data from 2016, expressed as an average daily vehicle count over the span of a year (AADT).

Enforcement and collisions

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The Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Calgary and Edmonton is prone to collisions in the winter, sometimes resulting in hours of delay, closures, and redirection of traffic onto sections of the adjacent Highway 2A.[43]Deerfoot Trailin Calgary is also prone to a higher than average number of collisions due to its high volume and concentration of interchanges within a relatively short distance.[44]

Alberta Transportation has established several zones on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway where the 110 km/h speed limit is enforced by aircraft.[45][46]The program is conducted by theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police,and was relaunched in 2013 after being on hiatus due to budget concerns.[47]Several aircraft are used including theEurocopter AS350helicopter. The number of tickets written during the operation is generally not enough to negate the cost of operating the aircraft, but police have stated that they are catching drivers committing infractions over a longer stretch of the road.[48]In 2016, Leduc proposedphoto radarspeed enforcement on Highway 2 between the south end of the city and Edmonton's southern limit to catch excessive speeders, pending provincial approval.[49][50]It is already in use within Edmonton and Leduc limits, but it would be the first implementation on Highway 2. Some residents complained that revenue was the main objective of the project.[51]Leduc mayor Greg Krischke said that the project is not a "cash cow" and the primary objective is to reduce excessive speed and increase safety for first responders.[51]An Alberta Transportation study shows that 100,000 vehicles exceeded 140 km/h (87 mph) on the stretch in 2015, and Krischke said that drivers who do not want tickets should abide by the speed limit.[51]However, in 2014, less than 10% of injury collisions in Alberta involved drivers travelling at unsafe speeds.[52]Tailgatingwas a factor in almost 50% of injury collisions.[52]

History

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Early years

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Looking west on Stoney Trail NE at its interchange with Deerfoot Trail in north Calgary

Trails in the vicinity of theCalgary–Edmonton Corridorlong predate the province of Alberta itself, which was not split from theNorthwest Territoriesuntil 1905. TheCalgary and Edmonton Trailwas established as several trails ran south from a furtrade postthat had been established atFort Edmontonprior to 1800. The northern portion of the route between Calgary and Edmonton was traveled byDavid Thompsonin 1800.[53]The more modern trail was blazed byJohn McDougallin 1873 as far asMorleyand extended to Calgary two years later. Development of the trail allowed mail service between Calgary and Edmonton in July 1883.[54]

By 1930, the entire present-day alignment of Highway 2 through to the British Columbia west of Grande Prairie had already been established as the Sunshine Trail. [55]It was a gravelled highway that ran from the US border at Carway directly through Macleod, Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton to Clyde where it became a dirt road. North of Clyde, it was the only highway that extended north into the Peace Country, bending east to Athabasca then northwest to Peace River. A secondary dirt road proceeded southwest to Dunvegan and the current terminus at Grande Prairie.[55]

When Alberta highways first received numbers, the present-day Highway 2 was originally designated as Highway 1. When the major east—west route through Calgary that had been previously designated as Highway 2 was assigned to the Trans-Canada Highway, the province's major north—south route became Highway 2. A review of historical Alberta official road maps shows this to be the case prior to 1941.[56]Highway 2 is one of the oldest major highways in Alberta, and the first to stretch north into thePeace Countryas it long predatesHighways 43and63.

Later years

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The intermittent sections of two-lane road between Calgary and Edmonton now designated as Highway 2A previously comprised the primary route between Calgary and Edmonton, Passing through Carstairs, the heart of Red Deer, Blackfalds, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin. Plans were developed in the late 1950s for a new four-lane superhighway to connect Calgary and Edmonton, creating a safer route that would bypass most of the communities along the way. The plan to bypass Red Deer and Lacombe was presented by ministerGordon Tayloron September 15, 1960 at a meeting in Red Deer.[57]The new $7 million divided highway would alleviate congestion on the existing route through Red Deer, splitting from the existing route south of the city and veering west to cross the Red Deer and Blindman Rivers before rejoining the old highway north of Lacombe. The routing was somewhat of a surprise to residents, who had expected the new bypass to pass east of the city.[57]The previous route had been carrying 5,000 vehicles per day. The bypass opened on November 21, 1962.[58][39]: 34 The previous segment of two-lane highway to the east, which had been carrying 5,000 vehicles per day prior to the opening of the expressway,[59]was renamed Highway 2A and now carries commuter traffic over the Blindman River between Blackfalds and Red Deer.

In northern Alberta, 1966 saw work begin on initial grading for Highway 2 in the vicinity of Peace River. The section from Hondo to Slave Lake was completed and opened to traffic on October 18, 1966. The 8-span, 125-metre (410 ft) bridge over the Peace River was completed in 1968.[39]: 50 An interchange at the highway's DeWinton turnoff south of Calgary was planned for 1974.[60]

On May 23, 2005, the section between Calgary and Edmonton was renamed theQueen Elizabeth IIHighway in honour of the Queen's visit to Alberta as part of the province'scentennialcelebrations; the first road sign was personally unveiled by the Queen. It was the first highway in Canada to be named for her.[61]Twinningsouth of Calgary continued in the 1990s. A Highway 43 realignment in 1998 shortened Highway 2 by nearly 90 km (56 mi) to its current northern terminus in Grande Prairie; it previously extended west toBritish Columbia Highway 2at the border. Several projects includingmedianwidening andinterchangeupgrades were completed in the 2010s that increased the safety of the highway's busier sections.

In the early morning hours of December 15, 2011, a Lethbridge mankilled three peopleon Highway 2 immediately north of Claresholm. The man turned the gun on himself in amurder–suicide.[62]

Work began in 2016 to straighten the alignment of Highway 2 at the south end of Red Deer.[63][64]The project included demolition of an existing bridge and construction of four new bridges for Highway 2. A substandard curve was removed and straightened, and a left entrance to Highway 2 for southbound traffic from Gaetz Avenue was reconstructed to crossover to the west side of the highway before joining the southbound lanes from the right side in a more conventional configuration.[64]The existing bridges on this section of the highway had been constructed in 1962.[39]: 35 The project was completed in 2018.[63]

Future

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Southern Alberta

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In Nanton, the two directions of Highway 2 are one-way streets, approximately 160 m (520 ft) apart. A free-flowing bypass of the town is proposed.
A freeway bypass of Nanton is proposed, where the two directions of Highway 2 are one-way streets, 160 m (520 ft) apart
Proposed Highway 2 bypass of Nanton, Alberta.
Proposed Highway 2 bypass of Claresholm, Alberta.
Proposed bypasses of Nanton (top) and Claresholm (bottom)[65]

Highway 2 from Fort Macleod to south Edmonton is part of the CANAMEX Corridor, a divided highway with a combination of interchanges and several at-grade intersections except for a 50 km (31 mi) fully controlled-access freeway section in Calgary. The only set of traffic lights on this CANAMEX section are in central Claresholm;[66]a bypass is proposed that would carry Highway 2 to the east of town on a new free-flowing alignment.[67]A similar bypass to the east of Nanton is also proposed.[68]A bypass of Fort Macleod has also been planned, tentatively designated as Highway 2X. It would be constructed in conjunction with a Highway 3 bypass of the town, making both routes free-flowing through the area.[69]Plans have also been drafted for significant reconstruction of the interchange of Highway 2 and Highway 23 near High River. The existingcloverleaf interchangewas built in 1967 and does not meet the current standards in Alberta's Highway Design Guide.[70]

In Calgary, where Highway 2 (Deerfoot Trail) experiences heavy congestion at peak hours, a major planning study is underway to determine the best course of action for upgrades to the freeway.[71]In 2007, a study was completed by Alberta outlining plans for upgrades to the incomplete interchange of Glenmore Trail and Deerfoot Trail, one of the busiest road junctions in the province.[72]Stage 1 of the proposed improvements would correct a pinch point on Deerfoot Trail by constructing a new three lane bridge to carry the northbound lanes over Glenmore.[73]The southbound lanes would then be realigned on the existing bridges, such that Deerfoot Trail would be three lanes each way through the interchange, up from two.[72]

Central and northern Alberta

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Planning is underway to convert the Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Calgary and Edmonton to a freeway.[74]Near Red Deer, traffic levels are close to 50,000 vehicles per day, and Alberta Transportation begins consideration of widening to six lanes when levels exceed 30,000 vehicles per day.[75]South of Airdrie, reconstruction of an existing interchange at Highway 566 is proposed,[76]and new interchanges have been planned atTownship Roads264 and 265 to support future development in the area.[77]Widening of the highway from four to six lanes between Airdrie and Crossfield is planned,[78]and between Highway 42 and Highway 597.[79]

Between Edmonton and Leduc, Alberta Transportation has drafted plans to construct adual freewaysystem in conjunction with a second ring road approximately 8 km (5 mi) beyond Anthony Henday Drive.[80]The existing interchange at Highway 2A south of Leduc would be closed and reconstructed to modern standards further south. Between Edmonton and 41 Avenue SW, the highway would be realigned several hundred metres to the west to facilitate construction of a large interchange with the outer ring road.[81]The existing bridges at Airport Road, Highway 19, 41 Avenue SW, and Ellerslie Road have all been constructed with sufficient width to allow for construction of two additional sets of lanes.[82]In 2015, a planning study was completed outlining a new interchange at 65 Avenue in Leduc.[83]In northwest Edmonton, a planned extension ofRay Gibbon Drivewill bypass St. Albert from Anthony Henday Drive to Highway 2. Upon completion of this road, Ray Gibbon Drive would be designated as Highway 2.[84]On June 1, 2020, work began on the first phase to twin Ray Gibbon Drive from 137 Avenue NW to just north of LeClair Way. An interchange at Cardiff Road is also planned, just south of Morinville.[85]

North of Morinville, Highway 2 is a lightly travelled two lane highway carrying well under 10,000 vehicles per day,[42]but in 2012 Alberta Transportation completed a study to plan for extension of twinning from Morinville to north of Highway 18 near Clyde.[86]In 2013, a study was completed analyzing possible truck bypasses of Athabasca, to the east and west of the current alignment.[87]A 2010 study assessed twinning of Highway 49 from Valleyview to Donnelly, and Highway 2 from Donnelly to south of Nampa.[88]

Major intersections

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Rural/specializedmunicipalityLocationkm[89]miExitDestinations[90]Notes
Cardston CountyCarway0.00.0
US 89south –Browning,Great Falls		Continuation intoMontana
Canada–United States borderatPiegan–Carway Border Crossing
​5.43.4PAR 136west –Police Outpost Provincial Park
20.712.9Hwy 501south –Del Bonita,Milk RiverSouth end of Hwy 501 concurrency
Cardston21.313.2Cardston Truck BypassUnsignedHwy 501north[11]
23.514.6Hwy 501west (9th Avenue)North end of Hwy 501 concurrency
25.015.5Hwy 5west / Cardston Truck Bypass –Waterton ParkSouth end of Hwy 5 concurrency;unsignedHwy 501south
Blood I.R. No. 14825.816.0Hwy 5east –Magrath,LethbridgeNorth end of Hwy 5 concurrency
​41.425.7Hwy 505west –GlenwoodSouth end of Hwy 505 concurrency
44.827.8Hwy 505east –Spring CouleeNorth end of Hwy 505 concurrency
Stand Off55.034.2Hwy 509east –Coalhurst
Cardston County
 No major junctions
M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26​75.246.7Hwy 511east
Fort Macleod84.452.4Hwy 3east (Crowsnest Highway) –LethbridgeHwy 2 branches west; south end of Hwy 3 concurrency; south end ofCANAMEX Corridor
85.753.3Hwy 811north (6th Avenue)
89.555.689Hwy 3west (Crowsnest Highway) –Pincher Creek,Crowsnest PassHwy 2 branches north; north end of Hwy 3 concurrency
​90.456.2CrossesOldman River
91.556.9Hwy 785west –Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Granum109.267.9Hwy 519east –Nobleford,Picture Butte
Claresholm126.078.3Hwy 520–Barons
Stavely143.088.9Hwy 527west –Willow Creek Provincial Park
​149.592.9Hwy 529east –Champion
Nanton165.5102.8Hwy 533west –Chain Lakes Provincial ParkSouth end of Hwy 533 concurrency
166.9103.7Hwy 533east (18 Street) –VulcanNorth end of Hwy 533 concurrency
M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26–Foothills Countyline​173.5107.8Township Road170 / 722 AvenueFormerHwy 2A
Foothills County​179.9111.8674 Avenue E –Cayley
183.2113.8Hwy 540west –Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
High River192.9119.9194Hwy 23(12 Avenue SE) –High River,VulcanSigned as exits 194A (east) and 194B (west)
194.8121.0(195)High River Business Park (24 Street NE)Southbound exit only
196.2121.9197498 Avenue EToHwy 543west
​201.4125.1202Mazeppa,Gas Plant, Auction MartSouthbound exit, northbound entrance
Aldersyde208.3129.4209Hwy 7west –Okotoks,Black Diamond,Turner Valley
ToHwy 2A–Aldersyde,High River
Hwy 547east –Mossleigh
​221.6137.7222Hwy 2Asouth /Hwy 552east –De Winton,OkotoksSouth end of Hwy 2A concurrency
223.6138.9225Macleod Trail(Hwy 2Anorth) toHwy 1 (TCH)west –City CentreNorthbound exit and southbound entrance; north end of Hwy 2A concurrency; south end ofDeerfoot Trail
225.9140.4227Dunbow Road –Heritage Pointe,De Winton
Bow River228.2141.8Bridge
CityofCalgary229.9142.9230212 Avenue SE
231.4143.8232Cranston Avenue / Seton BoulevardAccess toSouth Health Campus
231.9–
234.5		144.1–
145.7		234Stoney Trail(Hwy 201) –Medicine Hat,EdmontonSigned as exits 234A (east) and 234B (west); Hwy 201 exit 101; formerHwy 22X
234BMcKenzie Lake Boulevard / Cranston BoulevardSouthbound exit, northbound entrance
233.6145.2236McKenzie Towne Boulevard / McKenzie Lake Boulevard
237.2147.4238130 Avenue SE
238.7148.3240Barlow Trailnorth
240.4149.424124 Street SE / Douglasdale Boulevard
241.6150.1Ivor Strong Bridge acrossBow River
241.7–
242.6		150.2–
150.7		243Anderson Road/ Bow Bottom Trail
243.7151.4245Southland Drive
244.6152.024611 Street SE – Shopping CentreSouthbound exit and entrance
245.5152.5247Heritage Drive /Glenmore Trailwest – Shopping CentreNorthbound exit and entrance
246.7153.3248Glenmore Trail(Hwy 8)Southbound signed as exits 248A (east) and 248B (west); no northbound to westbound exit; formerHwy 8west
249.0154.7Calf Robe Bridge acrossBow River
250.3155.5251Peigan Trail east /Barlow Trailsouth
253.0157.225417 Avenue SEeast /Blackfoot TrailsouthFormerHwy 1Aeast
254.6158.2256Memorial Drive–City Centre
256.8159.625816 Avenue NE(Hwy 1 (TCH)) –Banff,Medicine Hat
258.6160.726032 Avenue NE
260.3161.7261McKnight BoulevardSigned as exits 261A (east) and 261B (west)
262.0162.826364 Avenue NE
263.7163.9265Beddington Trail/ 11 Street NENorthbound exit and southbound entrance
265.6165.026696 Avenue NE / Airport Trail–Calgary International Airport
267.5166.2268Country Hills Boulevard–Delacour,Calgary International Airport
292.2–
271.4		181.6–
168.6		271Stoney Trail(Hwy 201) –Banff,Medicine Hat,LethbridgeHwy 201 exit 60; north end ofDeerfoot Trail;south end of Queen Elizabeth II Highway
Rocky View CountyBalzac272.7169.4273CrossIron DriveNorthbound exit and southbound entrance, access toCrossIron Mills
274.4170.5275Hwy 566–Balzac,Kathyrn
CityofAirdrie279.3173.528040 Avenue SW / Sharp Hill Way SENorthbound exit and southbound entrance opened on October 13, 2023[91]
280.9174.5282Yankee Valley Boulevard
282.2175.4(284)East Lake CrescentNorthbound exit only
284.1176.5285Hwy 567(Veterans Boulevard) –Airdrie,Irricana
Rocky View County​293.8182.6295Hwy 2Anorth /Hwy 72east –Crossfield,Beiseker,Drumheller
303.9188.8305Hwy 2A–Crossfield,Carstairs,Acme
Mountain View County​313.6194.9315Hwy 581–Carstairs
325.0201.9326Hwy 582–Didsbury
Olds339.5211.0340Hwy 27–Olds,Sundre,Three HillsSigned as exits 340A (east) and 340B (west)
Red Deer County​352.2218.8353Hwy 2Asouth –OldsSouthbound exit only
Bowden355.5220.9357Hwy 587–Bowden
Innisfail364.0226.2365Hwy 54west –Innisfail,Caroline
367.4228.3368Hwy 590east (50 Street) –Innisfail,Big ValleyToHwy 2Anorth
​383.1238.0384Hwy 42–Penhold,Pine Lake
Gasoline Alley389.7242.1391McKenzie Road
390.7242.8392Gasoline Alley East / Willow Street – Petrolia Industrial ParkNorthbound exit only
391.2243.1393Leva Avenue – Gasoline AlleySouthbound exit only
CityofRed Deer392.7244.0394Gaetz Avenue (Hwy 2Anorth) – City CentreNorthbound exit and southbound entrance
393.4244.4395Taylor Drive (Hwy 2Asouth) / 19 Street (Hwy 595east) –Penhold,DelburneSouthbound signed as exits 395A (north) and 395B (south)
395.6245.839732nd StreetAccess toRed Deer College;becomesC&E Trailwest of Hwy 2
398.2247.4CrossesRed Deer River
400.4248.8401Hwy 11(67 Street) –Stettler,Sylvan Lake,Rocky Mountain House
403.8250.9405Hwy 11A–Red Deer,Sylvan LakeNorthbound signed as exit 405A, southbound signed as exit 405B
Red Deer County
 No major junctions
Red Deer–Lacombecounty line​408.7254.0CrossesBlindman River
Lacombe CountyBlackfalds410.8255.3412Hwy 597east / Aspelund Road –Blackfalds,Joffre
Lacombe421.3261.8422Hwy 12–Gull Lake,Bentley,Lacombe,Stettler
​430.1267.3431Hwy 2Asouth / C&E Trail –Lacombe,StettlerSouth end of Hwy 2A concurrency
435.8270.8437Hwy 2Anorth –Ponoka,WetaskiwinNorth end of Hwy 2A concurrency
Lacombe–Ponokacounty line​438.1272.2439Hwy 604–Morningside
Ponoka County​444.6276.3446Matejka Road
445.8277.0447Gee RoadSouthbound exit and northbound entrance
446.8277.6CrossesBattle River
Ponoka448.9278.9450Hwy 53–Rimbey,PonokaSigned as exits 450A (east) and 450B (west)
​461.2286.6462Menaik Road
Ponoka County–County of Wetaskiwin No. 10line​467.6290.6469Hwy 611–Maskwacis
County of Wetaskiwin No. 10​480.6298.6482Hwy 13–Wetaskiwin,Camrose,Ma-Me-O Beach,WinfieldSigned as exits 482A (east) and 482B (west)
487.3302.8488Correction Line Road
495.8308.1497Hwy 616–Millet,Mulhurst
Leduc County​507.1315.1508Kavanagh,Glen Park District
CityofLeduc514.4319.6516Hwy 2Asouth –Millet,Wetaskiwin
515.8320.5517Hwy 39west (50 Avenue) – Leduc City Centre,Calmar,Drayton Valley
516.8321.1519Leduc Business SectorNorthbound exit and entrance
517.7321.765 AvenueInterchange proposed;[92]northbound exit and southbound entrance
518.2322.0519Leduc Business Sector (50 Street)Southbound exit, northbound entrance
519.7322.9521Leduc Business Sector (Sparrow Crescent)Northbound exit only
Leduc CountyNisku521.0323.7522Airport Road / 10th Avenue –Edmonton International Airport
524.4325.8525Hwy 19west /Hwy 625east (20th Avenue) –Devon,Nisku,BeaumontTruck bypass toHwy 16west
CityofEdmonton531.2330.153241 Avenue SWNorth end of Queen Elizabeth II Highway; south end ofCalgary Trail(southbound) andGateway Boulevard(northbound)
534.6332.2(535)Ellerslie RoadNo access to/from Anthony Henday Drive
534.7–
536.7		332.2–
333.5		(536)Anthony Henday Drive(Hwy 216) –Cold Lake,Fort McMurray,Jasper,LloydminsterNorth end ofCANAMEX Corridor;exit 78 on Hwy 216; northbound left exit
537.1333.7(537)19 Avenue NWNo southbound entrance
537.9334.2(538)23 Avenue NW
539.4335.234 Avenue NW
540.9336.1Whitemud Drive(Hwy 14east) toHwy 16 (TCH)east –Wainwright
Gateway Boulevard–City Centre		Hwy 2 branches west onto Whitemud Drive
541.7336.6—106 Street
542.6337.2—111 Street
544.2338.2—119 Street / 122 Street
545.1338.7Rainbow Valley Bridge acrossWhitemud Creek
546.1339.3—Terwillegar DriveLeft exit
547.0339.9—53 AvenueNo access to/from Terwillegar Drive
548.6340.9Fox Drive
548.9341.1Quesnell BridgeacrossNorth Saskatchewan River
550.1341.8—149 StreetNo eastbound exit
551.3342.6—159 StreetConnects to 156 Street
552.5343.3—170 Street–West Edmonton Mall
553.5343.9—178 Street –West Edmonton Mall
555.4345.1Anthony Henday Drive(Hwy 216 south) /Whitemud DrivewestHwy 216 exit 18; Whitemud Drive continues west
Gap in route
569.4353.8Yellowhead Trail(Hwy 16 (TCH/YH)) /St. Albert Trailsouth –Lloydminster,JasperHwy 16 exit 381; St. Albert Trail continues south
571.7355.2137 AvenueSouth end ofMark MessierTrail
574.4356.9Anthony Henday Drive(Hwy 216)Hwy 216 exit 31; north end of Mark Messier Trail
CityofSt. Albert575.1357.4Gervais Road / Hebert Road
577.1358.6CrossesSturgeon River
579.5360.1Villeneuve Road (Hwy 633west) / Erin Ridge Road –Villeneuve
Sturgeon County​586.1364.2—Hwy 37–Fort Saskatchewan,OnowayInterchange
Morinville592.7368.3Cardiff RoadInterchange proposed (no construction timeline)
596.1370.4—Hwy 642(100 Avenue) –Morinville,Sandy BeachInterchange
​612.7380.7Hwy 651–Busby,Legal
Westlock County​626.1389.0UAR 79east –Vimy
635.8395.1Hwy 18west toHwy 44–Westlock,Barrhead,Slave LakeHwy 2 branches east; south (west) end of Hwy 18 concurrency
Clyde637.3396.0Hwy 18east –ThorhildHwy 2 turns north; north (east) end of Hwy 18 concurrency
​656.2407.7UAR 170east –Tawatinaw
664.6413.0Hwy 661–Dapp,Rochester
Athabasca County​692.4430.2Hwy 663west –FawcettSouth end of Hwy 663 concurrency
695.1431.9Hwy 663east –BoyleNorth end of Hwy 663 concurrency
Athabasca708.9440.5Hwy 55east (50 Avenue) –Lac La Biche,Cold Lake
ToHwy 813–Calling Lake,Wabasca-Desmarais
ToHwy 63–Fort McMurray		Hwy 2 branches west; east end ofNorthern Woods and Water Route
​722.9449.2Hwy 812west –Baptiste LakeHwy 2 branches north, then turns west
M.D. of Lesser Slave River No. 124​781.1485.4Hwy 44south –Westlock,EdmontonHwy 2 branches north
784.3487.3Hwy 2Anorth –Hondo,SmithHwy 2 turns west
787.5489.3CrossesAthabasca River
Slave Lake839.2521.5Hwy 88north (Bicentennial Highway) –Wabasca-Desmarais,Red Earth Creek,Fort Vermilion,High Level
840.5522.3Main Street S
​859.3533.9UAR 124north –Widewater
862.5535.9UAR 167north –Canyon Creek
Big Lakes County​881.9548.0Hwy 33south (Grizzly Trail) –Swan Hills
886.9551.1UAR 125north –Kinuso
899.1558.7UAR 170north –Faust
921.4572.5UAR 166north –Joussard
939.6583.8Hwy 750north –Grouard,Red Earth Creek
944.6586.9UAR 174south –Enilda
High Prairie956.2594.248 Street (Hwy 749)
​970.9603.3Hwy 2Awest –ValleyviewHwy 2 branches north
M.D. of Smoky River No. 130​991.9616.3Hwy 679–Winagami Lake Provincial Park
McLennan1,005.7624.9Centre Street N
Donnelly1,018.6632.9UAR 136north
1,020.2633.9Hwy 49–Valleyview,Edmonton,Falher,RycroftHwy 2 branches north
Northern Sunrise CountyNampa1,055.8656.0Hwy 683west –Marie Reine
​1,074.6667.7Hwy 688north –St. Isidore
Town ofPeace River1,082.3672.5—Hwy 744south (100 Street) – Town Centre,GirouxvilleInterchange; Hwy 2 turns west
1,082.7672.8—98 Street – Town CentreInterchange; eastbound exit, westbound entrance
1,083.1–
1,083.6		673.0–
673.3		Peace River Bridge acrossPeace River
1,084.3673.8—Hwy 684south (Shaftesbury Trail)Interchange
1,086.2674.9Hwy 743north (74 Street)
M.D. of Peace No. 135​1,092.7679.0PassesPeace River Airport
1,094.3680.0Hwy 2Asouth –Grimshaw
1,102.5685.1Hwy 35north (Mackenzie Highway) –Manning,High Level,Northwest TerritoriesHwy 2 branches south
1,104.1686.1PAR 106west –Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park
Grimshaw1,107.1687.9Hwy 2Aeast (55 Avenue) –Peace RiverMile ZeroofMackenzie Highway
1,107.3688.0Hwy 685west (50 Avenue) –Hines Creek
​1,110.5690.0Hwy 684east –Peace River,Shaftesbury FerryHwy 2 turns west
Berwyn1,119.4695.6UAR 238north
Brownvale1,129.3701.7Hwy 737north
M.D. of Fairview No. 136Whitelaw1,143.1710.3Hwy 735north
Bluesky1,155.1717.7UAR 214north
Fairview1,164.9723.8Hwy 732north (113 Street)
Hwy 64Awest –Hines Creek,Fort St. John		Hwy 2 branches south
​1,176.6731.1Hwy 64north –Hines Creek,Fort St. John
Dunvegan1,190.2–
1,190.8		739.6–
739.9		Dunvegan Bridge acrossPeace River
M.D. of Spirit River No. 133Rycroft1,210.7752.3Hwy 49(NWWR) –Donnelly,Spirit River,Dawson CreekWest end ofNorthern Woods and Water Route
Saddle Hills County​1,227.3762.6Hwy 677eastNorth end of Hwy 677 concurrency
1,228.9763.6Hwy 677west –WokingSouth end of Hwy 677 concurrency
County of Grande Prairie No. 1​1,256.2780.6Hwy 59west /Hwy 674east –La Glace,Teepee Creek
Sexsmith1,258.6782.1100 AvenueSexsmith north access
1,259.4782.695 AvenueSexsmith south access
​1,263.1784.9Hwy 672west –Hythe
Clairmont1,272.9790.9—Hwy 43–Valleyview,Edmonton,Beaverlodge,Dawson CreekInterchange; former northern terminus; section part of Hwy 43 from 1998-2019
CityofGrande Prairie1,275.3792.4Grande Prairie city limitsNorthern terminus;[40]becomes 100 Street
1,276.1792.9132 AvenueToHwy 670east
1,277.7793.9116 Avenue / 100 Street – City CentreFormer Hwy 2 branches west onto 116 Avenue
1,279.2794.9108 Street / 106 StreetFormer Hwy 2 turns south, becomes 108 Street
1,280.7795.8108 Street (Hwy 40south) / 100 Avenue – City Centre,Grande Cache,HintonFormer Hwy 2 branches west onto 100 Avenue
1,291.5802.5Hwy 43–Edmonton,Dawson Creek,AlaskaInterchange proposed; futureHwy 40Xsouth (unbuilt); continues as Hwy 43 west
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi
() - Exit not officially numbered

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^Average between northbound length of 1,272 km (790 mi)[1]and southbound length of 1,274 km (792 mi)[2]
  2. ^Officially, the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (QEII) refers only to the section between the northern Calgary city limit atStoney Trail(Highway 201) and the southern Edmonton city limit at 41 Avenue SW.

References

[edit]
  1. ^Google(November 15, 2016)."Northbound length of Highway 2 in Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  2. ^Google(January 14, 2017)."Southbound length of Highway 2 in Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedJanuary 14,2017.
  3. ^"Primary Highway renumbering to take place in the Peace Region"(Press release). Government of Alberta. February 24, 1998.Archivedfrom the original on April 10, 2016.RetrievedJune 1,2020.
  4. ^Kozicka, Patricia (November 28, 2014)."Officers 'overwhelmed' by QEII crashes; travel on Alberta highways still not recommended".Global News.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 5,2016.Eaten said two main problems he sees on the roads are people going too fast and following too close. He also believes winter tires are crucial in this kind of weather.
  5. ^"Government of Alberta—CANAMEX Trade corridor".Archived fromthe originalon July 19, 2006.RetrievedJune 22,2006.
  6. ^abcGoogle(November 5, 2016)."Highway 2 in southern Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 5,2016.
  7. ^Google(November 4, 2016)."Highway 2 at the United States border"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 4,2016.
  8. ^abcdefAlberta Official Road Map(Map) (2010 ed.). Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
  9. ^abcd"Provincial Highway 1-216 Progress Chart"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. March 2015.Archived(PDF)from the original on April 10, 2016.RetrievedOctober 12,2016.
  10. ^"Intersection Assessment: Highway 23/519"(PDF).AMEC Environment & Infrastructure.Lethbridge. February 2013. p. 6.RetrievedNovember 5,2016.This route is now a popular shortcut for motorists wishing to bypass the town of Fort MacLeod...
  11. ^ab"Provincial Highways 500 - 986 Progress Chart"(PDF).Alberta Transportation.March 2015.RetrievedMay 17,2016.
  12. ^abGoogle(October 23, 2016)."Deerfoot Trail in south Calgary"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedOctober 23,2016.
  13. ^"Calgary - Community Association Boundaries".Calgary Public Library - Digital Library.Calgary - Potential Heritage Conservation Sites. 1977.RetrievedOctober 27,2016.
  14. ^"Bypass signage".Google Street View.May 2016.RetrievedOctober 26,2016.
  15. ^abGoogle(October 27, 2016)."Deerfoot Trail in north Calgary"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedOctober 27,2016.
  16. ^Google(November 15, 2016)."QEII Highway Length"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  17. ^For a partial list of businesses in Gasoline Alley, see"Gasoline Alley East".August 22, 2016. Archived fromthe originalon September 25, 2016.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  18. ^"Highway 2 splitting to Gaetz Avenue in Red Deer, Alberta".Google Street View.June 2015.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  19. ^"Highway 2 across the Red Deer River".Google Street View.June 2016.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  20. ^"Highway 2 across the Battle River".Google Street View.August 2015.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  21. ^abGoogle(November 5, 2016)."Highway 2 in central Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 5,2016.
  22. ^"Highway 2 near Edmonton International Airport".Google Street View.September 2015.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  23. ^abcdefGoogle(October 28, 2016)."Highway 2 in Edmonton"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedOctober 28,2016.
  24. ^"Highway 2 at Anthony Henday Drive".Google Street View.September 2015.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  25. ^Mertz, Emily (August 4, 2015)."Whitemud Drive speed suggestion project aims to improve traffic flow".Global News.Archivedfrom the original on February 10, 2016.RetrievedDecember 17,2016.
  26. ^Google(November 15, 2016)."Northern Woods and Water Route section of Alberta Highway 2"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  27. ^Google(October 28, 2016)."Highway 2/18 near Clyde and Westlock, Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedOctober 28,2016.
  28. ^"Highway 2 near Colinton, Alberta".Google Street View.October 2012.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  29. ^Google(November 6, 2016)."Highway 2 in Athabasca, Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  30. ^Microsoft Streets and Tips(Map) (2004 ed.). Microsoft Corporation Redmond Washington.
  31. ^"Northern Woods and Water Route, Canada".PlanetWare Inc. 1995–2009. Archived fromthe originalon October 26, 2009.
  32. ^"Athabasca River from Alberta Highway 2 west of Athabasca".Google Street View.September 2013.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  33. ^"Highway 2 in High Prairie, Alberta".Google Street View.October 2015.RetrievedNovember 6,2016.
  34. ^Google(November 10, 2016)."Highway 2 near Donnelly, Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 10,2016.
  35. ^"Highway 2 near Lac Magloire, Alberta".Google Street View.July 2013.RetrievedNovember 10,2016.
  36. ^"Highway 2 descending into Peace River, Alberta".Google Street View.July 2013.RetrievedNovember 10,2016.
  37. ^abcdGoogle(November 5, 2016)."Highway 2 in northern Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 5,2016.
  38. ^Google(November 14, 2016)."Dunvegan Bridge"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedNovember 14,2016.
  39. ^abcd"Transportation Infrastructure Management System - Existing Structures in the Provincial Highway Corridor"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. September 28, 2012.RetrievedNovember 22,2016.
  40. ^ab"2019 Provincial Highways 1 – 216 Series Progress Chart". Alberta Transportation. March 2019.
  41. ^"ALBERTA HIGHWAYS 1 TO 986 / TRAFFIC VOLUME, VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION, TRAVEL and ESAL STATISTICS REPORT / 2019"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. March 10, 2020. pp. 36–37.RetrievedApril 1,2020.
  42. ^abcdCornerStone Solutions Inc. (February 17, 2017)."Alberta Highways 1 to 986 - Traffic Volume History 2007 - 2016"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. pp. 5–16.RetrievedJuly 23,2017.
  43. ^Gerson, Jen (March 21, 2013)."Huge multi-vehicle pile-up injures 100 people near Edmonton".National Post.
  44. ^"Deerfoot remains Calgary's most dangerous road".660 News.January 2, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on October 20, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.Recent crash statistics reinforce the fact, that Deerfoot Trail is the most likely road in the city, where people will be involved in a crash.
  45. ^"Aircraft Patrol Zones"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. February 2013.Archived(PDF)from the original on March 26, 2016.
  46. ^"RCMP back in the air to nab speeders on Alberta highways".CBC News.July 15, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on April 11, 2015.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
  47. ^Weismiller, Bryan (May 9, 2014)."Look out speeders: Alberta highway cops expanding aerial patrol zones".Metro News.Archived fromthe originalon November 18, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
  48. ^Platt, Michael (August 25, 2013)."Alberta Mounties, sheriffs targeting highway horrors from the sky".Calgary Sun.Archived fromthe originalon November 19, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016."Observing from the air really gives you a chance to see the big picture, and really pick out vehicles travelling faster for a long period of time, as well as other dangerous manoeuvres," said [Sheriff Jason] Graw... aboard the Eurocopter AS350...
  49. ^Parsons, Paige (August 25, 2016)."Leduc's mayor proposes using photo radar to reduce accidents on section of Queen Elizabeth II Highway".Edmonton Journal.Archivedfrom the original on August 25, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
  50. ^Dias, Thomas (August 25, 2016)."Leduc looking at setting up photo radar on Highway 2".630 News.Archived fromthe originalon August 27, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
  51. ^abc"Leduc mayor wants photo radar on QE2".CBC News.August 26, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on August 27, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
  52. ^ab"Collision Facts"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. 2014.Archived(PDF)from the original on March 15, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
  53. ^Placenames of Alberta."The naming along the Calgary - Edmonton Trail".RetrievedMay 23,2020.
  54. ^Ward, Tom (1975).Cowtown: an album of early Calgary.Calgary: City of Calgary Electric System, McClelland and Stewart West. p.222.ISBN0-7712-1012-4.RetrievedMay 23,2020.
  55. ^ab"Motor roads in Western Canada and United States connections leading to Calgary & Canadian Rockies (21 MB)".Alberta Development Board. 1929.Archivedfrom the original on December 15, 2017.RetrievedNovember 12,2016– via University of Calgary.
  56. ^Department of Public Works (1939)."Highway Map of Province of Alberta Canada"(PDF).RetrievedApril 14,2010.
  57. ^ab"City Bypass Surprise: Road Going West".Red Deer Advocate.September 16, 1960. pp. 1, 11.RetrievedMay 23,2020– via Newspapers.com.
  58. ^"$1 Million Contracts Awarded For Highway Work In District".November 22, 1962. p. 3.RetrievedMay 23,2020– via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^"Hwy 2A improvements target bridge, overpass".July 28, 1988. p. 1B.RetrievedMay 23,2020– via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^"Heavy roadwork plan set for '74".Calgary Herald.February 28, 1974.RetrievedMay 26,2020– via Newspapers.com.Construction of an interchange at DeWinton turn-off from Highway 2 and widening of that highway south of Calgary.
  61. ^"Highway 2 receives 'Royal' treatment".Alberta Transportation. May 23, 2005.Archivedfrom the original on March 25, 2016.RetrievedNovember 4,2016.Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary is now known as the Queen Elizabeth II Highway.
  62. ^"Claresholm Highway Murders: Anniversary Of Roadside Shooting That Claimed 4 Lives".Huffington Post.February 14, 2013.RetrievedMay 20,2020.
  63. ^ab"New Highway 2/Gaetz Ave. Interchange officially opens".rdnewsNOW.com.November 19, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on May 21, 2020.RetrievedMay 20,2020.
  64. ^ab"New Red Deer interchange part of $7B in highway projects Notley says will bring jobs".CBC News.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2016.RetrievedOctober 31,2016.
  65. ^For the Claresholm bypass, see"Town of Claresholm - Municipal Development Plan"(PDF).UMA Engineering Ltd.Lethbridge: Town of Claresholm. March 2007. p. 33. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on October 18, 2012.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.
  66. ^"Lights go out from Claresholm to Edmonton".Alberta Transportation. October 7, 2005. Archived fromthe originalon March 25, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  67. ^Armfelt, Cory; Waiguru, Maina."Claresholm - Building a Sustainable Community"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on November 15, 2016.A long-term plan to relocate Highway 2 (Queen Elizabeth 2 Highway) so that it no longer runs directly through the town is central to Claresholm's planning. Within the next five to 10 years, a highway bypass is expected to be located about 800 metres from the downtown area.
  68. ^"M.D. approves concept of four bypass interchanges".Nanton News.February 15, 2005. Archived fromthe originalon November 16, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.The Municipal District of Willow Creek has accepted in principle the proposed locations of four interchanges when Highway 2 becomes a freeway...
    • For land acquisition concerns, see"Candidates talk about Highway 2 realignment".Nanton News.February 20, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016....several open houses in all have occurred in the communities that would be affected by the Highway 2 realignment... The land for the highway realignment has been officially designated...
    • For a possible construction timeline, seePatterson, Jessica (March 17, 2009)."No news of highway plans frustrate town".Archived fromthe originalon November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.[Mayor] Blake believes it may be as many as 10 years [2019] before construction begins... The provincial government conducted a study of the proposed bypass in 2006, which recommended constructing an interchange with access to Nanton at Highway 533.
  69. ^"HIGHWAYS 2 and 3 Fort Macleod Bypass Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation.McElhanney.RetrievedJune 20,2016.
  70. ^For the interchange reconfiguration plan, see"Highway 23 Network Review and Highway 2 Interchange Reconfiguration - Final Report"(PDF).March 2010. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on November 15, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  71. ^Labby, Bryan (July 13, 2015)."Deerfoot Trail traffic fix delayed indefinitely".Archivedfrom the original on February 12, 2016.RetrievedOctober 20,2016.
  72. ^ab"Deerfoot Trail / Glenmore Trail Interchange".Alberta Transportation.2016.Archivedfrom the original on March 25, 2016.RetrievedOctober 23,2016.
  73. ^"Stage 1 Design"(PDF).Alberta Transportation.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on March 26, 2016.RetrievedOctober 23,2016.
  74. ^"Highway 2 Corridor Improvement Study"(PDF).Archived(PDF)from the original on November 16, 2016.RetrievedNovember 16,2016.
  75. ^Pike, Helen; Tumilty, Ryan (October 1, 2015)."Province looks at expanding Highway 2 between Calgary and Edmonton".Metro News.Archived fromthe originalon November 18, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.Highways typically get an expansion to between six or eight lanes when volumes reach between 30,000 and 50,000 cars per day, the [Alberta Transportation] document states.
  76. ^"Proposed Interchange - Highway 2 & Highway 566"(PDF).2013.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 15, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  77. ^For the Township Road 264 proposal, see"Queen Elizabeth II Highway (QEII) and Township Road 264 - Interchange Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 15, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.
  78. ^"Highway 2 widening between Airdrie and Crossfield - Plan"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on November 15, 2016.
  79. ^"Functional Planning Study – Highway 2 – from Highway 42 to Highway 597"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. October 2011.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 15, 2016.RetrievedNovember 15,2016.The Highway 2 Planning Study, from Highway 42 to Highway 597 has identified the recommended improvements required for Highway 2 to be widened to six and ultimately eight lanes within the study limits.
  80. ^"Queen Elizabeth II Highway - Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. May 2010.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.
  81. ^"Queen Elizabeth II Highway - Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. June 2009.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.
  82. ^"Extra wide Highway 2 median at Highway 19".Google Street View.September 2015.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.
  83. ^"Queen Elizabeth II and 65th Avenue Interchange (Leduc) - Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Castleglenn Consultants Inc.Calgary: Alberta Transportation. September 2015.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 16,2016.
  84. ^"Alberta Transportation: Planning in the Capital Region"(PDF).Alberta Transportation.p. 14. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on March 3, 2016.RetrievedOctober 14,2016.[Ray Gibbon Drive is] identified [as] an ultimate freeway corridor, which includes limited highway access & interchange locations.
  85. ^"Edmonton & Area Provincial Highway Projects".Alberta Transportation. July 22, 2009.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.Planning has been completed for an Interchange at Highway 2 and Cardiff Road. Project is outside the departments three-year construction program.
  86. ^"Highway 2:36 - North of Morinville to North of Highway 18 - Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. June 2012.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 16,2016.
  87. ^"Athabasca Truck Route Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. June 25, 2013.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.
  88. ^"Highways 2/49 - Functional Planning Study"(PDF).Alberta Transportation. 2010.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 17, 2016.RetrievedNovember 17,2016.
  89. ^Google(December 30, 2019)."Highway 2 in Alberta"(Map).Google Maps.Google.RetrievedDecember 30,2019.
  90. ^MapArt Publishing (2005).Alberta Road Atlas(2005 ed.). Oshawa, ON: MapArt Publishing. pp. 32, 33, 34, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 56, 64, 70, 76, and 82.
  91. ^"40 Ave. and QEII Highway Interchange".City of Airdrie.RetrievedOctober 16,2020.
  92. ^"QEII at 65th Avenue Interchange (Leduc)".Government of Alberta.June 8, 2017.RetrievedMay 13,2021.
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