Drivers travelling through two busy Chestermere intersections are being asked to slow down and watch for changing traffic conditions as one set of signals comes into service and work begins on another.
The City of Chestermere announced that the new traffic lights at Rainbow Road and Dawson Way were scheduled to be activated at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists were advised to use extra care while regular users of the intersection become familiar with the signals.
The intersection is near Our Lady of Wisdom School and serves the growing Dawson’s Landing area. In a December 2025 update, the City said the developer had agreed to complete the traffic-light installation after final design work had been submitted. At that time, construction was expected to begin in May, subject to weather and contractor scheduling.
Once the signals are operating, drivers should be prepared for a different traffic pattern, particularly during school arrival and dismissal periods. Everyone approaching the intersection should follow the signals and remain alert for people who may still be adjusting to the new right-of-way.
Across the city, a second signal project is now underway at West Chestermere Drive and Station Way. Construction began Thursday, Sept. 3, and the intersection is expected to remain open while the work proceeds.
The project involves more than placing signal poles at the roadside. According to the City’s construction notice, crews will remove and rebuild portions of the centre medians on West Chestermere Drive, install signal and streetlight poles, and add traffic-control and power-distribution cabinets. Directional drilling and trenching will also be required for underground conduit.
Early work is scheduled to focus on underground conduit and cabinet bases. Drilling and concrete work for the signal-pole bases is anticipated in mid-September, followed by median and asphalt work later in the month. The date for erecting, wiring and commissioning the signals has not yet been confirmed.
The City says later stages will depend on delivery of the signal hardware, poles and cabinet, along with electrical inspection and the utility connection. The schedule is also weather-dependent.
Work is planned on weekdays from about 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., outside the busiest commuter periods. No overnight or weekend work is currently planned. Lane restrictions and minor delays are expected during construction, although standard-width travel lanes are to be maintained.
Flaggers may be present, and pedestrian detours will be marked around active work areas. Access to nearby businesses, parking lots and homes is expected to remain available. The posted speed limit through the West Chestermere Drive work zone remains 40 km/h.
Chestermere council originally approved $730,000 from the Canada Community-Building Fund in June 2025 for the design and installation of traffic signals, a southbound left-turn lane and related work at the Station Way intersection. In July 2026, council approved a $100,000 increase, bringing the total approved budget to $830,000.
The improvements were among recommendations identified in the Town Centre Traffic and Safety Study. The City says the completed intersection is intended to improve traffic flow and safety for drivers and pedestrians at one of Chestermere’s busiest crossings.
The work arrives during an already active construction season, with several road and utility projects affecting routes across the community. Drivers can use Marina Drive as an alternate route around the Station Way work and should allow a few extra minutes when travelling through the area.
Construction schedules and traffic restrictions can change because of weather or site conditions. Current information is available on the City’s Road Reports page.