Transportation Network
Lethbridge is well-connected to the entire province and the country within Alberta’s highly effective ground and air transportation system.
The ports of Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia are the closest points when shipping by sea. Well established road, rail and air corridors provide a wide range of options ensuring safety, affordability and efficiency when moving goods and people. Lethbridge is well positioned to become a major logistics and distribution centre.
Road
The highways and roads in and around Lethbridge are among the best maintained in Canada. Our city benefits from being the hub of three major and picturesque Alberta highways.
Smaller size, short commute times and convenient, 10-minute vehicle access to all points of the city just are some of the benefits Lethbridge residents enjoy. A modern freeway runs through the heart of the city, providing excellent access to all points. LA Transit offers economical service to residential and commercial areas of the city seven days a week and has been expanded to most industrial areas providing greater access to low-cost transportation.
Calgary and Edmonton are within easy commutes to the north on double-lane divided highway.
- One hour south is Alberta’s major port of entry to the United States at Coutts and Sweetgrass, Montana. This twenty-four hour border crossing links Alberta’s export highway with U.S. Interstate 15 and will become a major part of the Canamex Trade Corridor.
- Highway 3 is a major traffic route linking Lethbridge with Vancouver to the west. Through Medicine Hat, Highway 3 joins the Trans Canada highway to all points east.
- Highway 5 heading southwest connects the city with the Lethbridge County Airport and is the corridor to the majestic Waterton/Glacier International Peace Park.
There is a long range transportation plan for Highways 3 and 4 as part of the Canamex Trade Corridor.
Rail
Of course Lethbridge is well known for its Viaduct, the mile long Lethbridge high level rail bridge which soars 300 feet above the river valley floor. Lethbridge is also located on the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline with tracks running in all four directions. Products are easily shipped east to southern Ontario, south to the U.S., west to Vancouver and north to Calgary. Freight-handling facilities are located in Lethbridge and a large, modern train marshalling facility is located at Kipp, just northwest of Lethbridge. Spur rail is also available to serve industrial areas and rail loading is available.
Air
The Lethbridge County Airport is located approximately 10 minutes south of the city centre. The airport operates 24/7 with daily scheduled flights, by Air Canada and locally owned Integra Air. Calgary and Edmonton International Airports are the primary destinations, with regular service to Fort McMurray. Charter and executive aircraft services, aircraft rentals and flight training are also available. Several rental car agents are available on site.
The Lethbridge County Airport has a flat prairie topography with an elevation of 3047 feet above sea level. There are two runways – the main 6500 foot asphalt runway (05-23) and the crosswind runway (12-30) is 5500 feet in length. The airfield has runway and approach lighting; electronic navigation and landing aids. An on-site NAV CANADA Flight Services Station operates 16 hours per day.
Customs
Canada Customs provides service to Lethbridge via the Coutts / Sweetgrass Port of Entry. A newly renovated facility was the result of greater cooperation between Canada and U.S. customs resulting in more service lanes, to help to reduce wait times.
The Coutts / Sweetgrass Port allows use of the NEXUS system to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States. The Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are cooperating in this joint venture to simplify border crossing for members while enhancing security. Call 1-866-496-3987 for information.
Four export warehouses are located in Lethbridge. Customs service is available available at the Lethbridge County Airport 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days per week. Call 1-888-CAN-PASS for details.
Logistics
Lethbridge is home to numerous local trucking firms offering local, provincial, national and international freight services.
In 2007, Lethbridge-based H&R Transport Ltd. was named one of the 50 Top Managed Companies in Canada. H&R employs 750 and moves goods by road and intermodal, within Canada as well as full-load service to international clients between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. H&R owns and operates a fleet of 450 tractors and 1,255 trailer units. The company offers temperature-controlled transloading and warehouse services in Vancouver, along with third-party logistics services.
Standard and refrigerated warehouses are available throughout the city. Terminal facilities are also on hand, offering third-party logistics capabilities.
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