Mayor Magrath Drive was built on a Canadian Pacific Railway line from Lethbridge to Fort Macleod that was abandoned when the High Level Bridge was constructed in 1909.
This expansion also included a system of service roads and connecting avenues to provide access to future commercial and residential development.
Mayor Magrath Drive holds the bulk of the city's accommodations, including international chains such as Ramada, Best Western, Travelodge and Howard Johnson.
Major shopping destinations (such as Walmart, Costco, Superstore, Safeway and Home Depot) are also located on this roadway, as well as a large number of restaurants.
Several public transit routes follow the road, including the popular Link, which provides service between the Lethbridge College and Northside terminals.