Route Description
Alberta Highway 47 is approximately 32 kilometres (20 mi) long and runs in a general north-south direction.- Northern Terminus: The highway begins at an intersection with Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Trail) east of Edson, Alberta.
- Route: From Highway 16, Highway 47 proceeds south, traversing a rural, often forested landscape characterized by the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It passes through areas historically significant for coal mining.
- Southern Terminus: The highway terminates in the small community of Robb, Alberta. While it provides access to the Robb/Cadomin area, its official southern end is typically considered to be within Robb itself. From Robb, local roads continue further south towards former mining sites and eventually connect to Highway 40 (Bighorn Highway) via unnumbered routes.
The highway is a two-lane, undivided paved road for its entire length. It primarily serves local traffic, resource industries, and tourists visiting the area for its natural beauty and historical significance.
History
Highway 47 is closely tied to the history of the Coal Branch, a region that saw significant coal mining activity in the early to mid-20th century. The highway (or its precursor roads) facilitated the transport of coal and provided access to communities like Robb, Mercoal, and Cadomin, which were company towns built around the mines. While many of the mines have since closed, the highway continues to be a vital link for the remaining residents and for those exploring the region's heritage.Major Intersections
The following is a list of major intersections along Alberta Highway 47 from north to south:- [[File:Alberta 47.svg|left|20px]] Highway 16 (Yellowhead Trail) – east of Edson
- Robb Road – towards Robb
- Cadomin Road – towards Cadomin (via local roads)
Communities Along the Route
- Robb
See Also
- List of Alberta provincial highways
- Coal Branch