Fort Macleod's Historic Milestone: First Traffic Light Signals Growth
Fort Macleod, the oldest town in southern Alberta, is marking a significant milestone in its history with the installation of its first-ever traffic light. This development comes as a response to increased traffic and substantial community growth, highlighting the town's evolution from its founding in 1874.
A Busy Intersection Gets an Upgrade
Starting this spring, an overhead signalized traffic light, complete with a pedestrian signal, will be installed at the intersection of Highway 3 and 18th Street. This location sees more than 11,000 vehicles pass through each day, making it one of the busiest spots in the area. The intersection features two lanes of traffic in each direction and is poised to become even busier as it serves as the main entrance and exit for a new residential and commercial subdivision currently under construction.
Deputy Mayor Christina Fox expressed her excitement about the project, noting that growing up in Fort Macleod, she never anticipated seeing a traffic light in the town. "I didn't think we'd ever see a traffic light, but I am definitely excited about it," Fox said in a recent interview.
Driving Forces Behind the Change
The decision to install the traffic light is driven by several factors:
- Population Growth: Fort Macleod, located approximately 150 kilometres south of Calgary, has experienced a substantial increase in population. According to an Alberta government dashboard, the town's population reached 3,945 in 2025, representing a 22 percent rise over the past five years.
- Safety Concerns: The intersection has been the site of safety issues, including a few near misses over the years and an incident where a pedestrian was hit while trying to cross. The posted speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour, but Fox noted that many drivers still speed through the area.
- New Development: The new subdivision will include roughly 50 homes, with multi-unit residences among them, further increasing traffic and pedestrian activity.
Enhancing Safety and Accessibility
Alberta Transportation determined that the traffic light was necessary to ensure safe and smooth movement for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project, approved in the 2026 Provisional Operating Budget, is seen as a key step toward keeping the growing town safe and accessible.
Fox highlighted that the intersection provides access to essential amenities, including a grocery store and gas station, with high-traffic businesses like Tim Hortons and Dairy Queen nearby. "There are a lot of people who do cross there to access the grocery store. A lot of kids cross the one-way to go for lunch for fast food," she explained.
Previously, a pedestrian light was added, but drivers have reported difficulty seeing it at times. The new traffic light is expected to improve visibility and help slow traffic, particularly for vehicles entering Fort Macleod from the south.
Community Response and Project Details
The Town of Macleod has received positive feedback from residents regarding the traffic light installation, with most comments being supportive. The project is estimated to cost around $1 million and will involve minor traffic impacts during construction, as noted by the municipality.
This initiative underscores Fort Macleod's commitment to adapting to its growth while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents. As the town continues to expand, this first traffic light symbolizes a new chapter in its rich history, blending tradition with modern infrastructure needs.
