Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Province of Alberta is planning to spend over $8.5 billion on a three-year capital plan focused on road, bridge, and transportation networks, a $333.7-million increase from 2024.
โWe said for a long time that as contractors we need stable funding to allow for our member companies to have the ability to plan for the future,โ said Dennis Leonard, past chairman of the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA). โThis budget is definitely going in the right direction.
โWe anxiously await the release of the tenders contemplated in this budget.โ
The infrastructure plan includes more than $4 billion over three years for rural transportation projects, $2.1 billion for improvements in Calgary, and $2 billion for the Edmonton region.
A total of $2.6 billion is dedicated to planning, design, and construction of major highway and bridge projects, including the twinning of Highway 3 and Highway 11, and major upgrades to Deerfoot Trail and Highway 881.
โBy investing in the transportation and water infrastructure our communities need, we can better address rapid growth, promote economic development, and maintain a high quality of life,โ said Devin Dreeshen, Albertaโs Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. โThese investments ensure that Alberta remains the best place in Canada to live, work, and raise a family.โ
Also, the budget proposes $1.7 billion for capital maintenance and renewal over three years to preserve Albertaโs existing road and bridge infrastructure, ensuring long-term safety and functionality.
Over three years, the provincial government will spend $126.8 million to support smaller municipalities improving local transportation networks.
โBuilding and fixing roads and bridges enhances the productivity of Albertaโs economy,โ said Ron Glen, CEO of the ARHCA. โThese investments help local economies and create jobs, contributing to the continued growth of the province.โ
Also, $3.9 billion capital grants will be sent to municipalities for public transit projects such as LRT projects in Edmonton and Calgary, $5 million for planning a transit solution connecting Calgaryโs airport terminal to the future Blue Line LRT extension station.
Water management infrastructure projects will receive $519.7 million over three years for water and wastewater systems, ensuring reliable access to clean water for Albertans across the province. The budget also includes $240.1 million for the construction and repair of irrigation systems, supporting the agriculture sector and flood mitigation efforts.
Regional highlights:
- North Region: $1.25 billion over three years for projects including the twinning of Highway 63 and safety improvements to Highway 881.
- Central Region: $1.4 billion for projects such as Highway 11 twinning and the Vinca Bridge replacement near Redwater.
- South Region: $363 million for road projects including the twinning of Highway 3 and upgrades to the QEII Highway.
- Calgary Region: $2.1 billion for projects like Deerfoot Trail upgrades, Calgaryโs Rivers District, and the Springbank Reservoir project.
- Edmonton Region: $2 billion for projects including the expansion of Ray Gibbon Drive and improvements to Highway 16A.