Alberta government awards $55 million Highway 15 twinning contract

EDMONTON, ALTA. – The government of Alberta has awarded a $55 million contract to Alberco Construction for part of a twinning project for Highway 15.

The highway work has been split into Part A and Part B. Part A is already underway and estimated for completion by the end of summer, involving twinning Highway 15 east of Highway 28A to west of Highway 37. Part B will involve Alberco building a second bridge over the North Saskatchewan River and twinning Highway 15 from east of Highway 37 to east of the 99 Avenue overpass in Fort Saskatchewan and will take three years to complete.

The overall budget for the project is estimated at $100 to $120 million and design for the project began in 2017.

“Our government is committed to delivering infrastructure projects that support our economy and get Albertans back to work. Highway 15 is a key corridor for the residents and businesses of Fort Saskatchewan and throughout Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, and twinning will reduce congestion, improve travel times and increase safety. Our government promised to build infrastructure projects that help grow Alberta’s economy and this announcement demonstrates our commitment to creating jobs,” Alberta minister of transportation Ric McIver said.

“The City of Fort Saskatchewan has been waiting for this project for many years. Our residents know all too well about congestion, in particular over the bridge, and they’re looking forward to completion of this twinning project to make their daily commute easier and safer,” City of Fort Saskatchewan mayor Gale Katchur said.

The original Highway 15 Bridge over the North Saskatchewan River into Fort Saskatchewan was built in 1957 and is the only river crossing in the city with one lane in each direction.

In addition to Highway 15, the Alberta government is moving ahead with nine other projects related to its capital plan, including interchange and bridge safety improvements, bridge replacements north of Peace River and north of Elmworth, slide repairs, seal coating and paving projects.