Banff National Park officials have announced that a portion of the Lake Louise Drive Rehabilitation and Modernization project will start after the Victoria Day Long weekend.
According to the Parks Canada website, construction on Lake Louise Drive will begin on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
"Summer 2024 visitors are reminded to plan ahead, prepare for delays, and book a shuttle if they are planning to see Lake Louise or Moraine Lake."
While the construction work will start after one of the busiest long weekends of the spring season, parks officials are reminding motorists that construction work will occur Monday to Friday during daylight hours, 7:30 am until 8 or 9 p.m. (depending on the month).
"Work will not be conducted on long weekends. Some night work will occur. Expect single-lane alternating traffic and delays of up to 30 minutes on Lake Louise Drive. Longer delays are possible during peak periods of high visitation, which are typical during summer months and when the weather is favourable," the website added.
Motorists can expect significant delays in the area and are asked to pay attention to signage before arriving at the Lake Louise exit.
"This signage will provide more timely updates throughout the summer season. In extreme congestion or emergencies, vehicles may need to be assessed, filtered and safely redirected. This may mean visitation can be restricted to specific users, such as those with bookings or reservations."
There will be no user restrictions in place on Lake Louise Drive, however alternative routes are recommended for hiking or biking from the community to the lakeshore.
Parks Canada stated that Lake Louise Drive hosts upwards of one million vehicles per year and it is a road that road connects the community of Lake Louise to upper Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which are two of the most visited destinations in Banff National Park.
"Over the last ten years vehicle traffic on Lake Louise Drive has risen by roughly 70 per cent. Construction will include asphalt resurfacing and road repairs, a roundabout at the intersection of Sentinel Road, Fairview Drive, and Lake Louise Drive, as well as changes to traffic flow routes that connect St. Piran, Chateau Lake Louise, and Upper Lake Louise parking. This will ensure pedestrian safety and improve efficiency."
Other upgrades will include improvements to the Fairview day-use area, including measures to reduce disruption to traffic flow and improve parking efficiency and updated signage, line painting, lights, and arrows to improve pedestrian crossings and sharing of the road.
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