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Getting into Jasper National Park is now quicker and easier than ever for locals, with a new bypass lane open at the East Gate.
The bypass lane allows those with valid national park passes and through-travellers to skip the queues at the gate and continue along Highway 16 without stopping.
And there is a new overhead electronic sign greeting visitors and displaying highway information.
Parks spokeswoman Amélie Rivera said: “Parks Canada has taken the needs expressed by the traveling public and invested in this redesigned east entrance to the park.
“This new bypass lane will benefit the traveling public and visitors to the park with improved traffic flow and reduced wait times thanks to this additional lane and kiosk.”
This construction work is part of Parks Canada’s nation-wide $3 billion investment over five years to support infrastructure work in national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.
And while the new bypass lane is open, “some residual work” will still be ongoing this spring around the gates.
Rivera said there will be limited traffic impacts during this time, but some new road signs and reduced speed zones.
She said: “The safety of motorists and our staff is a priority for Parks Canada.
“Motorists are reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 50 km/h when approaching and traveling through the by-pass lane.”
All visitors who plan to stop in Jasper National Park or travel on the Icefield Parkway require a valid park pass, which are available at the gates and campgrounds, the Jasper Information Centre and the Icefields Centre.
