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Category: Utilities

  • Okotoks Residents Face Road Closures and Traffic Changes on South Railway Street

    "Construction is a 'pipe' dream, but it's a necessary one for Okotoks' growth!"

    Residents of Okotoks can expect road closures and traffic changes on South Railway Street starting September 28, as part of the River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project. The work will be done in two stages, with the first stage focusing on installing a new watermain and the second stage on installing a new sanitary sewer.

    • During Stage 1, the Lineham Avenue intersection will be closed to through traffic, and the westbound lane on South Railway Street west of Lineham Avenue will be closed.
    • Access to properties east of Lineham Avenue will be maintained via a temporary access road, and access to Summit West School will be maintained from Veterans Way via South Railway Street.
    • River valley pathway access will be preserved, but the sidewalk on South Railway Street will be closed at times.

    During Stage 2, the intersection will reopen, and South Railway Street will operate with one-way eastbound traffic through the construction area. Westbound traffic will remain restricted through the active construction area.

    The work is expected to be completed by early November, weather permitting, and will be done in stages to maintain project progress and prepare for continued construction in 2027.

    The project team will maintain access to nearby properties and East Lineham and Summit West School throughout construction and plans to reopen South Railway Street to two-way traffic before winter.

    For more information on the project, visit https://shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/rivers-edge.

  • Fisher Place Detour in Place for Okotoks Utility Work

    It's a "drain" on traffic, but the work will eventually "flow" smoothly.

    PROJECT LOCATION

    86 Fisher Place, near Dreams Car Wash and Napa, is currently under construction for underground utility tie-ins.

    TYPE OF WORK

    The work involves storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water tie-ins into the Town of Okotoks’ infrastructure for a new business development.

    SCHEDULE

    • Construction began on September 10, 2026, and is expected to be completed by September 23, 2026.
    • Work hours are Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    IMPACTS

    • A minor detour is in place to safely direct vehicles around the construction site.
    • A temporary recycled asphalt detour road has been installed to maintain vehicle access and minimize dust, particularly for vehicles entering and exiting the adjacent car wash.
    • Traffic detours will remain in place 24 hours a day for the duration of the work.
    • Residents are advised to use caution and follow all posted traffic control signage when traveling through the area.

    WHAT TO EXPECT

    • Construction crews, heavy equipment, and construction-related noise will be present during working hours.
    • Minor traffic delays and temporary changes to traffic patterns in the immediate area can be expected.
    • Access to surrounding businesses will be maintained during construction.

    WHY THIS WORK IS HAPPENING

    This work is necessary to connect the development at 86 Fisher Place to the Town of Okotoks’ existing underground water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure.

    View a photo of the construction site.

  • Lane Closure on Highway 2A near Okotoks for D’Arcy Development Work

    It's a stormy road ahead for commuters on Highway 2A.

    Project Location

    West side of Highway 2A near Wedderburn Drive heading south into Okotoks

    Type of Work

    Installation of a new storm sewer manhole and construction of a new access road into D’Arcy development (Phase 18)

    Schedule

    • Start Date: September 8, 2026
    • End Date: September 18, 2026
    • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Impacts

    • The southbound lane on west side of Highway 2A is closed, but the intersection remains open and access is maintained.
    • Digital message boards will be in place.
    • Traffic delays are expected, particularly during peak travel times.
    • Traffic-control guides will be on site as required.

    What to Expect

    • Construction crews, heavy equipment and construction-related noise during working hours.
    • Reduced traffic capacity through work zone.
    • Motorists are asked to slow down, follow all posted signage and traffic-control measures and use caution when travelling through the area.

    For more information, please refer to the Town of Okotoks’ website for a map of the work area: D’Arcy subdivision work area map.

  • Downtown Okotoks Revitalized: North Railway Street Reopens After Two-Year Construction Project

    The town's downtown area is now "on track" for success.

    After two construction seasons, North Railway Street in downtown Okotoks has finally reopened to the public. The Town of Okotoks has officially announced the completion of the Downtown Improvement Project, which aimed to revitalize the area by replacing aging infrastructure, moving utilities underground, and enhancing the streetscape.

    The project, which began in 2025 and continued this year, involved replacing water and sewer infrastructure, relocating overhead power lines, and making various above-ground improvements throughout the downtown corridor. Crews also widened sidewalks, upgraded street lighting, and added seating areas and new boulevard trees.

    Additionally, Triangle Park and nearby public spaces received landscaping and pedestrian connection improvements as part of the project. The Town of Okotoks’ community identity manager, Chris MacIsaac, praised the work, stating that it represents a significant investment in the downtown core.

    “The improvements create a more accessible and inviting environment for residents and visitors while supporting the continued vibrancy of the area’s business community,” MacIsaac said.

    Despite the construction, which brought road closures, detours, and changes to parking and access, businesses along the corridor remained open. MacIsaac thanked downtown businesses and residents for their patience and partnership throughout the project.

    For more information about the Downtown Improvement Project, visit the Town of Okotoks’ Shape Our Town website page.

  • Okotoks’ North Railway Street Set to Open Ahead of Schedule

    The town is "rail"-ly excited to open the street!

    Construction on North Railway Street in Okotoks is nearing completion, with the Town of Okotoks preparing to open the road in the next few days. According to a recent social media post by Mayor Tanya Thorn, the town is expecting to meet its deadline more than a month ahead of schedule.

    The upgrades to the street include new landscaping, lighting, and seating, which aim to improve pedestrian accessibility and introduce more public space. While parking may be slightly narrower, it will remain in the same manner as the first phase.

    The North Railway Street improvements are part of the Downtown Improvement project, with Phase 2 commencing in the spring and closing the street from Alberta Avenue to McRae Street. In addition to the above-ground enhancements, underground utility work was also completed.

  • Highway Lane Closure Planned for Okotoks Development Work

    It's a stormy road ahead for Okotoks drivers.

    Residents of Okotoks can expect a lane closure on Highway 2A near Wedderburn Drive starting September 8, 2026, as part of the ongoing development of the D’Arcy subdivision. The southbound lane on the west side of the highway will be closed until September 12, 2026, while construction crews install a new storm sewer manhole and build a new access road into the development.

    The intersection will remain open, and digital message boards will be in place to alert drivers to the closure. Traffic delays are expected, particularly during peak travel times, and traffic-control guides will be on site as needed.

    Motorists are advised to slow down, follow all posted signage and traffic-control measures, and use caution when traveling through the area. Construction crews, heavy equipment, and construction-related noise can be expected during working hours.

    The lane closure is part of Phase 18 of the D’Arcy development, which includes the installation of a storm sewer manhole and a new access connection to the development area.

    • Start Date: September 8, 2026
    • End Date: September 12, 2026
    • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    For more information, please refer to the map of the work area provided by the Town of Okotoks: D’Arcy subdivision work area map.

  • Ridgemont Subdivision Utility Work to Wrap Up in Okotoks by September 30

    It's a sewer-ious undertaking, but it's necessary to keep Okotoks flowing smoothly.

    Residents of the Ridgemont subdivision in Okotoks can expect utility work along 32 Street and Crystal Green Lane to continue until September 30. The project involves the extension of the sanitary trunk main, installation of a new manhole, and completion of underground water and sanitary sewer utility connections.

    • The work is scheduled to start on August 5, 2026, and will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday.
    • While 32 Street and the intersection at Crystal Green Lane will remain open to traffic, traffic delays are expected, particularly during peak travel times.
    • Reduced speeds will be in effect near the construction area, and traffic and pedestrian detours may remain in place 24 hours a day as required.
    • Access to properties along Crystal Green Lane will be maintained, with posted signage directing traffic via a gravel access road as needed.

    The developer-led project is required to support the Ridgemont Phase 1 development. For more information, residents can contact Lamont Land at [email protected] or 403-252-7575.

  • Temporary Pedestrian Detour in Place Near Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks

    It looks like students will have to "dig" a little deeper to find their way to school this year.

    Students and parents walking to Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks will need to take a temporary detour when classes resume Monday due to ongoing construction in the area.

    The Town of Okotoks has set up a temporary pedestrian detour near the intersection of 32 Street and Crystal Green Lane, where underground water and sanitary sewer utilities are being completed.

    • Pedestrian access to Holy Trinity Academy and St. James Church remains open.
    • A temporary signed route directs pedestrians north along the pathway beside 32 Street, then through a gravel access road near Crystal Green Lane, before cutting back towards the path.

    The town is asking pedestrians to watch for posted signs and remain on the designated route while construction is underway.

    The lane closure at 32 Street and Crystal Green Lane began around August 5, with an initial estimated completion date of August 28. However, the temporary pedestrian detour is now expected to remain in place until mid-September.

    No traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area, although reduced speed zones will be in effect.

    For more information, including a map of the affected area, visit the Town of Okotoks’ lane closure map.

  • Southbound Highway 2A lane closure near Wedderburn Drive begins in Okotoks

    It's a stormy situation on Highway 2A, but don't get caught in a drain of frustration – plan ahead!

    Motorists travelling southbound on Highway 2A into Okotoks should expect traffic disruptions this week due to a lane closure.

    Starting today, Aug. 31, the southbound lane on the west side of Highway 2A will be closed near the Wedderburn Drive intersection, allowing crews to install a new storm sewer manhole and construct an access road into D’Arcy Phase 18.

    The intersection will remain open, and access will be maintained. Crews will be on site Monday through Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

    While work is underway, drivers should expect delays during peak times, as traffic capacity will be reduced. Motorists are reminded to slow down, follow signs, and use caution when travelling through the area.

    The lane closure is expected to be completed by Sept. 3.

    Learn more about the lane closure on the Town of Okotoks website.

  • Riverside Drive Closure in Okotoks for Sewer Upgrades and Road Improvements

    It looks like Okotoks residents will have to "drive" around the issue for a while.

    The Town of Okotoks has announced that Riverside Drive will be closed between Veterans Way and the Okotoks United Church until late October for sewer upgrades and road improvements. The project, part of the River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvement initiative, aims to enhance sanitary sewer capacity and reliability in the area while adding new on-street parking and upgraded roadway infrastructure.

    Construction is expected to begin on August 19, 2026, and will be carried out in two stages. Stage 1, which will last from August 19 to 28, will involve deep utility work at the Veterans Way/Riverside Drive intersection. Stage 2, which will run from late August to late October, will focus on roadway and utility construction along Riverside Drive toward the Okotoks United Church.

    The closure will impact traffic patterns, with detours and delays expected throughout the project. Significant congestion is anticipated at the Elizabeth Street/Northridge Drive intersection, particularly for westbound traffic turning left onto southbound Northridge Drive. Access to the Okotoks Public Library and the Okotoks United Church will be maintained through a temporary connection between the church and library parking lots.

    Residents and visitors can expect the following impacts during the construction period:

    • Riverside Drive between Veterans Way and the Okotoks United Church will be closed until late October.
    • Veterans Way/Riverside Drive intersection will be closed from August 19 to 28.
    • On-street parking along Riverside Drive between Veterans Way and the library parking lot will be unavailable during construction.
    • EV charging stations at the ALC campus will be inaccessible during construction. Alternative locations can be found at https://www.okotoks.ca/our-energy.

    For more information on the project, including detour maps and pedestrian routes, visit https://shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/rivers-edge.