Highway 3 twinning moves ahead
Alberta’s government has awarded the first contract to begin twinning Highway 3, improving safety, creating jobs and spurring economic investment in the region.
Highway 3 is a vital economic corridor and east-west link, and the first section of the highway being twinned sees approximately 3,900 vehicles per day. Through $179.7 million in provincial funding, this first phase will twin Highway 3 between the town of Taber and the hamlet of Burdett. The contract for the 46-kilometre project was awarded to Ledcor Highways Ltd.
“Highway 3 is a key economic corridor in southern Alberta between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway. It is critical infrastructure for Alberta’s growing agri-business industry and will enhance tourism and improve safety in the region as well.”
— Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
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.
“I am excited to see this important project get underway. Twinning this stretch of Highway 3 is critical to supporting jobs, growth and the agri-food processing corridor in the region. This project has been a priority of mine and I want to thank Minister Dreeshen for his commitment to twinning this vital east-west link.”
— Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner
Twinning Highway 3 from border to border will be completed in eight phases to 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. 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.”
— Bill Chapman, president, Highway 3 Twinning Development Association
Quick facts
The eight phases of this project include:
Phase 1, 46 kilometres – twin Highway 3 between Taber and Burdett
Phase 2, 10 kilometres – Highway 3X/Coleman Bypass
Phase 3, 15 kilometres – east of Seven Persons to Medicine Hat
Phase 4, 47 kilometres – Blairmore to east of Highway 6 at Pincher Creek
Phase 5, 28 kilometres – east of Bow Island to east of Seven Persons
Phase 6, 23 kilometres – east of Burdett to east of Bow Island
Phase 7, 38 kilometres – Pincher Creek to west of Fort Macleod
Phase 8, eight kilometres – Alberta/B.C. border to Highway 3X