Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 24, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —A popular roadside viewpoint in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains could be temporarily closed because of growing safety concerns linked to the way traffic enters and exits the site.
The viewpoint, located along Highway 1 near Lake Louise? No — the site is near Lac des Arcs, and has long been a familiar stopping point for motorists travelling from Calgary towards Banff. It offers travellers an early scenic view of the Rocky Mountains as they enter the mountain region.
Scenic Stop Raises Traffic Safety Concerns
Visitors have praised the Lac des Arcs viewpoint for its natural beauty and mountain scenery. However, local officials say the current traffic arrangement creates a potentially dangerous situation.
Reeve Lisa Rosvold of the Municipal District of Bighorn said traffic leaving the viewpoint and vehicles turning off Highway 1 towards the viewpoint converge at the same area.
According to Rosvold, the merge point for traffic entering the highway is located directly where vehicles leaving the highway also merge. This arrangement can create situations in which drivers suddenly find themselves crossing paths with other vehicles.
Officials say there have already been several close calls at the location.
Residents Concerned About Current Design
Local residents have also raised concerns about the design of the viewpoint.
Lac des Arcs resident Helen Rose said drivers leaving the viewpoint have to pay close attention to traffic approaching in the right-hand lane.
She said some motorists accelerate suddenly while attempting to enter the highway, while vehicles already travelling on the highway generally remain in their lanes. The combination can increase the risk of a collision.
Calls for Provincial Action
Rosvold said the Municipal District of Bighorn has been pressing the provincial government for some time to address safety concerns at the location.
Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors has confirmed that a plan is being considered to temporarily close the viewpoint and reconstruct the westbound on-ramp to bring it in line with modern safety standards.
The proposed changes are intended to address the traffic conflict created by the existing configuration.
Proposed Project Could Cost $1.4 Million
Officials estimate that the proposed upgrade could cost approximately C$1.4 million.
The ministry has said that a formal timeline for design and construction will be established once funding is secured.
This means there is currently no confirmed date for either the temporary closure of the viewpoint or the start of construction.
Closure Has Not Yet Been Finalised
Despite the discussions, local officials have stressed that a final decision to close the viewpoint has not yet been made.
Rosvold said provincial authorities have asked the Municipal District of Bighorn to provide a letter supporting the potential project. Further steps would still need to be completed before the plan could move forward.
As a result, the viewpoint remains open for now, and no closure date has been announced.
Two More Viewpoints Nearby
The Lac des Arcs location is particularly popular because it is one of the first prominent viewpoints encountered by drivers heading into the mountain region.
However, it is not the only place where motorists can stop to enjoy the scenery.
Two additional viewpoints are located along the next roughly two kilometres of highway. The possibility of closing one site has therefore prompted questions locally about whether traffic and visitor pressure could increase at the remaining viewpoints.
Helen Rose said that if only one viewpoint were closed, the other locations could experience greater pressure from motorists.
She also questioned whether authorities should consider changes to all three locations or focus specifically on redesigning the dangerous merge point.
For now, officials say the proposal remains in its early stages, with no date set for a temporary closure.
