Early analysis begins for Highway 58 upgrades in Alberta

JOHN D’OR PRAIRE, ALTA. — Early work has started on upgrades to Highway 58 in Alberta.

Alberta Transportation is moving ahead with an engineering study and detailed design for future upgrades to Highway 58, between Highway 88 and the Boundary of Wood Buffalo National Park.

The engineering study will analyze the first 59 kilometres of the highway, between Highway 88 and the Lawrence River. Future plans include upgrades, bridge replacements and paving.

“The current gravel highway is in poor condition and is the only access road to John D’or Prairie, Fox Lake and Garden River, all part of the Little Red River Cree Nation,” reads a release from the province.

A request for proposals has been issued to hire a consultant to begin the study. Officials expect a consultant to be in place to begin the work in September.

This project is not in the current Capital Plan, but the province plans to submit it for budget 2022 consideration. If approved, the project could be tendered and construction could begin in 2023 with completion in 2025. Early estimates indicate the project would cost approximately $65 million.