The Cochrane Interchange in Cochrane, Alberta, is being built to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support long-term connectivity in one of the province’s fastest-growing regions. From the outset, the project has reflected EllisDon’s commitment to strategic design, technical excellence, and collaborative execution.

The interchange represents EllisDon’s approach to building smarter, more resilient communities. Every decision was made with long-term impact in mind. Despite weather challenges and the complexity of working around live traffic, the team delivered a solution built to serve Cochrane today and well into the future.

The Work Behind the Vision

Before construction began, EllisDon saw an opportunity to enhance the original design. The initial plan relied heavily on temporary retaining walls—an approach that was costly, and time-consuming. Our team proposed a more efficient solution: phase the construction of the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls and bridge approaches. This allowed one side to open to traffic while work continued on the other, eliminating the need for temporary structures.

This adjustment wasn’t just practical—it reduced waste, improved construction efficiency, and helped future-proof the interchange to support Cochrane’s ongoing growth. That kind of strategic thinking helped set the tone for everything that followed.

From underground stormwater infrastructure led by PME, to formwork and equipment supplied by Oxford Builders, to EllisDon’s own self-performed concrete and formwork (ED Forming)—this project showcased the depth and range of expertise within EllisDon. In this model, collaboration feels less like coordination and more like momentum. Having that depth within EllisDon means decisions move quickly, execution stays aligned, and challenges are met with confidence. This integration doesn’t just streamline construction—it allows us to manage complexity at scale, maintain quality across disciplines, and deliver cohesive solutions from start to finish. 

A Closer Look at the Interchange

This project brought together a wide range of infrastructure upgrades designed to support Cochrane’s growth and improve daily commutes. The scope of the project is immense:

• Highway expansion & bridge replacement to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and increase long-term resilience.
• New, larger CPKC Rail overpass to support modern rail and road standards and future corridor needs.
• Constructing the partial cloverleaf design of interchange ramps & roundabouts to optimize traffic movement and allows for future expansion.
• Extended highways and multi-use pathways to enhance regional access and supports pedestrian and cyclist mobility.

Cochrane is growing rapidly, and the infrastructure needed to keep pace. Every element of the interchange—from layout to bridge staging—was designed with future expansion in mind. The project also tied into local improvement initiatives and prioritized multi-use pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring the interchange serves the broader community.

Navigating the Unexpected

Unseasonably heavy rainfall across Calgary and surrounding areas created significant challenges. EllisDon responded with agility—adjusting schedules weekly, coordinating closely with subcontractors, and keeping the project moving.

“What made the difference was how quickly our team was able to respond and adapt,” said Jeremy Richards, Senior Project Manager, EllisDon. “Staying fast, fluid, and flexible wasn’t just a mindset—it was a leadership decision. Everyone on site understood the urgency, and we worked together to keep the project moving. That level of coordination helped us avoid delays that could have set us back by months.”

One of the more unexpected hurdles was keeping granular backfill dry, which was critical to the integrity of the MSE retaining walls. To solve it, the team implemented winter-style heating and hoarding systems—in August. It’s a clear example of EllisDon’s resourcefulness and commitment to problem-solving under pressure.

Managing traffic during construction is always a challenge in projects like this, but EllisDon found a solution that exceeded expectations. Instead of relying on temporary signals, the team implemented a temporary roundabout. It improved traffic flow beyond the pre-construction conditions and gave crews the flexibility they needed to maintain progress without constant interruptions.

Delivering with Purpose

The Cochrane Interchange is more than a set of infrastructure upgrades—it’s a reflection of EllisDon’s commitment to building smarter, more resilient communities. From strategic design improvements to seamless in-house collaboration, every decision was made with long-term impact in mind. Despite weather setbacks and the complexity of building around live traffic, the team remained focused, agile, and united.

This project stands as a testament to what’s possible when expertise, coordination, and purpose come together. For EllisDon, it’s not just about delivering infrastructure—it’s about delivering value, shaping communities, and building with care.