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Sweet Grass Today
By the People, for the People
Montana-Canada Border Road Closure Sparks Outrage
Locals on both sides of the border decry the shutdown of a decades-old gravel road connecting communities.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:23pm
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The closure of a decades-old gravel road connecting Montana and Canada exposes the human cost of increased border security measures.Sweet Grass TodayAfter over 80 years of use, a 9-mile gravel road known as Border Road that connects Montana and Canada near the town of Sweet Grass will be closed starting July 1st. Residents on both sides of the border are frustrated by the decision, which officials claim is due to an increase in illegal traffic, though locals say they haven't seen evidence of that. The road, maintained by Warner County in Alberta, has long been used by ranchers, neighbors, and families to freely cross between the two countries.
Why it matters
The closure of Border Road represents the disruption of a longstanding cross-border community connection, with residents on both sides expressing concern over the loss of easy access between their towns. The decision highlights the tension between security concerns and preserving traditional modes of transportation and interaction along the U.S.-Canada border.
The details
Border Road is a simple gravel road that has allowed residents of Montana and Alberta to freely cross between the two countries for over 80 years. While it's located in Montana, the road has been maintained by the Canadian province of Alberta. Officials claim the closure is due to an increase in illegal traffic, but locals like Montana resident Roger Horgus say they haven't seen evidence of that. On the Canadian side, Alberta resident Ross Ford is equally frustrated, noting the road has provided 'free access' for generations.
- Border Road has been in use for over 80 years.
- The road will be closed starting on July 1, 2026.
The players
Roger Horgus
A Montana resident who lives near the Border Road and calls the closure 'ridiculous'.
Ross Ford
An Alberta, Canada resident who expresses frustration over the loss of 'free access' to the road that his community has enjoyed for generations.
Devin Dreeshen
The Alberta Transportation Minister, who says Canada has pledged $8 million to build a new road parallel to the old one.
What they’re saying
“I hate to see it because the Canadians have taken such good care of us and the road, with grading and all of that.”
— Roger Horgus, Montana Resident
“It's unfortunate. We've enjoyed free access to the road for I guess about 80 years, way before I was born. We've always been very close to our neighbours. Of course, they live in Montana and that won't change — but we have this new barrier.”
— Ross Ford, Alberta Resident
“the border will be in the ditch.”
— Ross Ford, Alberta Resident
What’s next
Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said Canada has already pledged $8 million to build a new road that'll run parallel to the old one, hopefully finished by summer.
The takeaway
The closure of Border Road, a decades-old gravel crossing between Montana and Canada, has sparked outrage on both sides of the border. This decision highlights the tensions between security concerns and preserving traditional cross-border connections within local communities.
