Alberta to invest $8.5 billion in transportation infrastructure

Alberta road construction

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.

โ€œWe 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). โ€œThis budget is definitely going in the right direction.

โ€œWe 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.

โ€œBy 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, Albertaโ€™s Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. โ€œThese 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 Albertaโ€™s 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.

โ€œBuilding and fixing roads and bridges enhances the productivity of Albertaโ€™s economy,โ€ said Ron Glen, CEO of the ARHCA. โ€œThese 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 Calgaryโ€™s 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, Calgaryโ€™s 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.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

I accept the Privacy Policy