Construction work to improve Lake Louise Drive leading to the iconic lake is underway and will continue through the busy summer season.
Parks Canada officials say improvements to Lake Louise Drive, which now sees more than one million vehicles a year, are needed to maintain and upgrade infrastructure for vehicle traffic, and to improve safety at pedestrian crossings.
They say construction work will add to existing seasonal congestion in the area, making shuttles or public transit the best option.
“Visitors wanting to see Lake Louise and Moraine Lake should plan ahead and secure reservations on Parks Canada shuttles, Roam public transit, or with a private commercial transportation provider,” states the federal agency in an email.
“While the improvements are underway, visitors can expect single-lane alternating traffic and delays of up to 30 minutes on Lake Louise Drive. Longer delays are possible during peak periods of visitation, which are typically seen during the summer months and during good weather.”
Parks Canada says it will make every effort to minimize delays.
“Traffic personnel will be in place again this summer to support the flow of traffic in the Lake Louise area,” states the email.
Work will include asphalt resurfacing and road repairs; roundabout construction at the existing intersection of Sentinel Road, Fairview Drive and Lake Louise Drive; and changes to traffic flow routes that connect St. Piran, Chateau Lake Louise and Upper Lake Louise parking.
In addition, improvements are being made to the Fairview day-use area, including measures to reduce disruption to traffic flow and improve parking. The work also includes updated signage, line painting, lights and arrows to improve pedestrian crossings and sharing of the road.
Construction work will occur Monday to Saturday during daylight hours from 7:30 a.m. until 8 or 9 p.m., depending on the month, with occasional night work.
Parks Canada says scheduling may be adjusted to accommodate the project, as needed, and the public will be updated as new information arises and impacts change.
While roads are already busy during the summer season in Lake Louise, the agency says climate and weather considerations mean it is only possible to complete construction during this timeframe.
“Summer in Lake Louise is short, with stable warm and dry conditions only lasting from the end of May until early September,” the email states.
“Unfortunately, this timeframe overlaps with the busiest time for visitation, but these improvements and repairs are critical.”
To minimize traffic disruption where possible, no construction will occur on long weekends. Construction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024.
