Construction crews began work on April 28, 2026, to build a new emergency access road in Lethbridge, Alberta, that will link Great Bear Boulevard West to Metis Trail West. The 583-metre gravel route is designed to provide a vital shortcut for emergency responders, improving service to growing neighbourhoods including Copperwood, Crossings, Garry Station, and Country Meadows.
The project, which carries a cost of $315,000, received approval from Lethbridge City Council in December 2025. Funding for the work is being drawn from the Major Capital Projects Reserve. The need for the connection was highlighted in a November 2025 committee report by Darwin Juell, the General Manager of Transit and Transportation, who identified a gap in the local road network that hindered emergency travel.
Fire Station 5, located at 10 Great Bear Boulevard West, has operated since 2021 but previously lacked a direct connection to Metis Trail West. Deputy Chief Kevin McKeown of Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services noted that the new road will allow crews at Station 5 to reach areas currently served by Station 2 much faster. By bypassing current detours, the shortcut is expected to significantly reduce response times and increase public safety for the surrounding community.
The new road is intended exclusively for emergency vehicle use and will not be open to the general public. While the city’s transportation department will manage maintenance costs for the gravel route, it is a temporary solution that will remain in place until developers build permanent roads as part of future residential development in the area. Officials expect the construction phase to have a relatively low impact on nearby residents.
