Connecting Communities: An AADT Analysis of the Calgary – Edmonton Corridor

As part of Integrated Travel’s 'Rail for All: Connecting Communities' initiative aimed at bringing numerous benefits to underserved communities along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor, our team conducted an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) analysis for Highway 2 and 2A using datasets from 2013-2022. This analysis determined vehicle patterns and calculated greenhouse gas emissions, thereby highlighting the benefits of implementing rail along the corridor. We discovered significant vehicle usage patterns indicating a strong reliance on this corridor for both local and long-distance travel. For Highway 2, traffic volumes showed variations with Weighted Annual Average Daily Traffic (WAADT) reaching up to 86,990 vehicles in areas near Leduc to Edmonton, reflecting the intense use of this route. Conversely, Highway 2A, serving as an alternative and providing access to smaller communities, also exhibited substantial traffic with annual GHG emissions reaching approximately 654.67 metric tonnes (MT) annually. Moreover, the most accessible crossing stations, located at key intersections and community access points such as north of Okotoks, High River, and extending up towards Leduc and Edmonton, underline the vast beneficial effects that implementing 'Rail for All' will yield for Albertans.