The first phase of twinning for Alberta’s Highway 3, between the town of Taber and the hamlet of Burdett, is set to start in the spring. The contract for the 46-kilometre project was recently awarded to Ledcor Highways Ltd.

Pre-construction work, including acquiring the right of way and relocating utilities, is underway and will be completed this year. Construction will begin in spring 2024, with completion anticipated in 2025. The project is expected to support 755 jobs.

“Highway 3 is a key economic corridor in southern Alberta between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway,” stated Devin Dreeshen, the province’s Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. “It is critical infrastructure for Alberta’s growing agri-business industry and will enhance tourism and improve safety in the region as well.”

The province is providing almost $180 million in funding, for the project, which impacts a section of the highway that sees about 3,900 vehicles per day.

The process of twinning Highway 3 from border to border will be completed in eight phases, which the province says will limit costs and minimize disruption to people and businesses along the route. The other seven sections of the project are in various phases, including consultation, planning and design, land acquisition, environmental assessment, engineering or contract tendering.

“This is great news for our association members and municipalities all along the agri-food corridor, in addition to all southern Albertans who will be ecstatic when dirt begins to move next spring,” said Bill Chapman, president of the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association. “Our association extends our thanks to Premier Danielle Smith and Devin Dreeshen, minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, for your commitment to this vital project.”