Work on a new emergency access road on the west side of Lethbridge is complete.
The temporary roadway connects Great Bear Boulevard West to Metis Trail West and is for use by Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services.
The gravel road gives LFES an additional emergency response route to neighbourhoods like Copperwood, Crossings, Garry Station, and Country Meadows.
“This project supports faster, more reliable emergency response to some of the fastest-growing areas of our city,” said Chief Greg Adair.
“The response time information presented to City Council showed this access road can make a meaningful difference on some west side response routes. Having another direct route from Station #5 strengthens our ability to serve residents safely and efficiently.”
Officials emphasize that the road is for emergency access only and is not open to public vehicle traffic. Residents are asked not to drive, park, or obstruct the road.
The City of Lethbridge added that the temporary gravel road follows the same alignment as the existing outline plan roadway for Great Bear Boulevard. It connects directly to the existing gravel road that is along 25 Street/Metis Trail West.
REDUCED RESPONSE TIME
Information shared with City Council showed that the new road could reduce travel time from Fire Station #5 by several minutes for some of the west Lethbridge response routes.
One example shared showed that the route deduced estimated travel time from roughly five minutes and 15 seconds to one minute and 40 seconds.
Officials said actual response times will vary based on the location and nature of the emergency, traffic on other roadways, weather and road conditions, and unit availability.
The temporary emergency access road project is funded through the Major Capital Projects Reserve and was approved by council in December 2025.
The ongoing operating and maintenance costs will be managed by the City’s Transportation department through its existing operating budget.
The City noted that the temporary emergency access road will stay in place until permanent roadways and infrastructure are developed through future residential development phasing, as identified in the Watermark Outline Plan.
“Emergency response depends on more than stations, crews and equipment. It also depends on the road network that allows crews to reach people quickly,” Adair added.
“This emergency access road is a practical step to support public safety as west Lethbridge continues to grow.”
More information about the access road is available on the City of Lethbridge website.
