The recently updated 2002 Transportation Master Plan indicated that a south east by-pass was not required in order to accommodate the expected traffic volumes at the 20,000 population horizon. However, the Master Plan recommended retaining the potential for this link in the event that conditions beyond the 20,000 population horizon were to warrant it.
While a by-pass would represent a possible means of reducing truck traffic within the Town, the estimated through volume of truck traffic that could potentially use this bypass is approximately 200 to 250 vehicles per day (two way total). It would be very difficult to rationalize the construction of a by-pass if the primary purpose was to accommodate through trucks.
As noted in the Transportation Master Plan, a more cost effective means of reducing through truck traffic on Highway 12 through the town of Lacombe could involve approaching Alberta Transportation to consider introducing signage on Highway 2 at SR 597 and at Highway 2A so as to encourage heavy vehicle traffic approaching from the south or north on Highway 2 that is destined for eastbound Highway 12 to utilize Highway 2A so as to avoid the Downtown core. It is noted that the Province may not be able to act on this request as they are not permitted (by legislation) to specifically encourage trucks to by-pass a section of Highway 12 in favour of Highway 2A. It should also be noted that if such signage is effective, it may have a negative effect on local businesses that provide services to pass-by truck traffic as the quantity of truck traffic would be reduced.
Although several comments were received regarding the desire to reduce or eliminate truck traffic passing through Town on Highway 12 during the Transportation Master Plan process, relatively few comments were received in regard to goods movement. This was most likely due to the greater concerns for the issues of the parking, the traffic system and the road network, rather than lack of issues.
It should also be noted that both Highway 2A and Highway 12 are primary highways and therefore under the control of Alberta Transportation. As such, Alberta Transportation cannot legislate the removal of truck traffic from these roads. Alberta Transportation may also be limited in their ability to sign truck routes away from Highway 12 in favour of Highway 2A given that Highway 12 is a Primary Highway and therefore a truck route.