Achi news desk-
Drivers heading to Lake Louise this summer can expect some delays as construction crews work to improve and upgrade the main road leading to the popular tourist destination.
Parks Canada began work this week to improve Lake Louise Drive – a road that attracts over a million vehicles a year.
The project is expected to continue throughout the summer.
The road connects the Lake Louise community to Moraine Lake Road and the Lake Louise lakefront.
“This project will provide long-term benefits to visitors, residents and wildlife,” Parks Canada said in a news release.
“Lake Louise is a busy area in the summer and we ask visitors to be patient and prepare for delays while the construction works take place.”
Visitors to the area can expect alternating single lane traffic and delays of up to 30 minutes on Lake Louise Drive.
Parks Canada notes that delays may be longer during peak visit periods, during the summer months and on good weather days.
A map shows the construction area on Lake Louise Drive for summer 2024. (Source: Parks Canada)
Crews will be working on a number of repairs along the way, including:
- Asphalt resurfacing and road repairs;
- Construction of a roundabout at the existing intersection between Sentinel Road, Fairview Drive and Lake Louise Drive;
- Traffic flow changes to improve pedestrian safety and efficiency;
- Improvements to the Fairview day use area; a
- Update signs, paint lines, lights and arrows.
Construction work will take place from Monday to Saturday during daylight hours, from 7:30am to 8 or 9pm, with occasional night work.
Parks Canada noted that although roads are busy in Lake Louise during the summer, the climate and weather means that construction can only be completed during this time frame.
“Summer in Lake Louise is short, with stable warm and dry conditions lasting only from late May to early September,” Parks Canada said in a news release.
“Unfortunately, this schedule overlaps with the busiest time for visits, but these improvements and repairs are critical.”
Parks Canada said shuttles and public transportation will be the best option to get to the area this summer. Visitors wishing to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are encouraged to plan ahead and book a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Public Transit or private commercial transportation.
Traffic on Lake Louise Drive has increased by about 70 per cent over the past 10 years, according to Parks Canada.
