The eventual closure of a long-utilized road that serves as an intimate connection between Canadian and American residents has left many local denizens anxious. Starting this summer, no Canadian traffic will be allowed on the road, which cuts the corner of the Montana-Alberta border. In response, the federal government has committed $8 million towards vital roadway repairs. This important road is located on the U.S. side of the nominally international highway, but is nevertheless funded and maintained by Canada.
Construction on the road is set to begin in April and should be done by summer. For nearly 80 years, the highway has been a lifeline and an important connection. It allows residents of both sides of the New Hampshire – Vermont border to take advantage of fare free access. In the past, U.S. soldiers would regularly let pass drivers going across to see neighbors, building up a deep sense of community.
Ross Ford, who lives just north of the road, told Indiana Public Media that he was distraught over the expected closure. He noted the significance of the road in maintaining relationships between neighbors and remarked, “We’ve enjoyed free access to the road for I guess about 80 years, way before I was born.” He emphasized the historical value of this connection, stating, “We’ve always been very close to our neighbors.”
Roger Horgus, a resident who lives south of the proposed road, was upset with the decision and supported Ford’s assertion. He stated, “Ridiculous. I hate to see it because the Canadians have taken such good care of us and the road, with grading and all of that.” Horgus’s exasperation is echoed by many others who have depended on this high road to keep the cross-border connection flowing smoothly.
The Treaty of 1908 also acknowledges that the current border between Canada and the United States. A ceremonial sign indicates this boundary, with “Canada” emblazoned on the northern side, and “United States” on the southern. As planned, the forthcoming build will turn the street into two distinct thoroughfares. This amendment will end this one-of-a-kind tradition of open space and communal engagement.
Ford explained the implications of this change: “The roads will basically parallel each other for the full length of the road. So we’ll have our road, and they’ll have their road.” He continued, “The border will be on the bottom of the ditch.” This amendment would pave the way for multi-hour travel times and destroy the communities of neighbors that have flourished for hundreds of years.
In 1990, National Geographic magazine gave deep, thoughtful profile to families living along this border. They paraded their good humor and friendship as golden ambassadors of glad tidings down what unimaginatively has become known as the world’s longest undefended border. This new shift would upend many years of established relationships.
Access and inclusion
Residents who have previously benefited from close access to one another might experience feelings of alienation.
As construction gets underway in April, people living on either side of this new line find themselves unsure what this will mean for their future interactions. The closure of this historic road marks a significant shift in local dynamics, leaving many to ponder how their community ties will adapt to this new reality.
