Construction is set to begin on the 65th Avenue Interchange in Leduc that will accelerate the rapid growth happening in and around the Edmonton International Airport trade hub.
“Work is getting under way. This is one of the busiest sections of highway in Alberta, and we’re going to help make it faster and safer to get around. It will take commercial and airport traffic off local roads. It will provide a better connection for Alberta businesses to the Edmonton airport, letting them get their products to the world a bit faster and a bit cheaper,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen.
The City of Leduc has awarded Graham Construction the contract for the 65th Avenue Interchange project. The QEII and 65th Avenue Interchange project is a joint effort between the City of Leduc, Alberta Transportation, and the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority. About 49,700 vehicles travel this stretch of the QEII Highway every day.
According to officials, with a project cost of $112 million, and supporting 660 jobs, this economically significant infrastructure project will help the region reach greater economic potential.
Key components of the project includes: new overpass over the QEII Highway; new on-off ramps from the QEII Highway; improvements to some existing ramps; intersection improvements at 65 Avenue and 50 Street in Leduc; and, completion of Perimeter Road and 65 Avenue, west of the QEII Highway.
Graham is experienced in delivering projects of this scope and complexity, including the Macleod Trail Interchange in Calgary, and the Groat Road Bridge and Road Renewals in Edmonton.
“We look forward to partnering with the City of Leduc and Alberta Transportation to deliver this critical infrastructure,” says Tom Cole, Graham’s vice president of infrastructure. “The interchange will support safety and ease of movement of people and goods and Graham is proud to be part of the project that will bring significant and long-standing benefits to the community.”
Construction is anticipated to take approximately three years and will commence in winter 2023.
