Heading To Radium? Expect Significant Delays On Highway 93

Drivers heading from the Bow Valley to Radium Hot Springs this summer should plan for extra travel time as multiple construction projects get underway along Highway 93 South through Kootenay National Park.

Parks Canada says three separate infrastructure projects are beginning this month on the popular route connecting Alberta and southeastern British Columbia. The work includes bridge rehabilitation, culvert repairs and upgrades within Sinclair Canyon near Radium Hot Springs.

The largest project is the rehabilitation of the Sinclair Canyon Bridge and surrounding infrastructure at the southern entrance to Kootenay National Park. The work includes repairs to the Sinclair Creek Rock Tunnel near the Radium Hot Springs pools and rehabilitation of a retaining wall at the southwest end of the canyon.

Motorists can expect single-lane alternating traffic and delays of up to 45 minutes during peak travel periods. Construction is expected to continue from June through October.

A second project will rehabilitate the bridge at Kootenay Crossing, approximately 60 kilometres north of Radium. While two traffic lanes will remain open, drivers should expect reduced speed limits through the construction zone. Work is scheduled to continue through October.

The third project involves culvert repairs near kilometre 27.5, south of the Alberta border. That work is expected to begin as early as June 1 and take approximately two to three weeks to complete. Drivers should expect reduced speeds, single-lane alternating traffic and periodic delays.

The construction affects one of the most heavily travelled tourism corridors in the Canadian Rockies. Highway 93 South serves as the primary route between the Bow Valley and Radium Hot Springs and provides access to popular destinations including Marble Canyon, the Paint Pots, Kootenay Valley Viewpoint, Olive Lake and numerous trailheads throughout Kootenay National Park.

Parks Canada says access to the Radium Hot Springs pools and Redstreak Campground will remain available throughout construction. The Sinclair Canyon Trail and Juniper Trail are also expected to remain open.

Several pullouts and pedestrian areas near Sinclair Canyon will temporarily close during construction, including the pedestrian sidewalks through the canyon, the former West Gate bunkhouse area, and parking pullouts immediately north of the canyon.

Parks Canada is advising motorists to budget extra travel time, particularly on weekends and during peak summer tourism periods. Officials say every effort will be made to minimize disruptions while maintaining safe access through the corridor.

Drivers can check current road conditions and construction updates before travelling through Kootenay National Park via DriveBC.