Alberta calls for a greater federal role in highway infrastructure

By Hem Kaur Times Contributor

Highway 1 continues to be emphasized as a vital transportation route across Alberta. The Trans-Canada Highway, running across the country, plays a central role in the province’s economy and movement of goods. 

Alongside Highway 3, which is slated for twinning, these routes remain priorities for both provincial management and potential federal partnership.

“Highway 1 is obviously an important route going east-west across the province,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen. He explained that Highway 3 twinning falls under provincial control but is still an initiative where the province seeks additional support. The provincial view is that both Highway 1 and Highway 3 should be considered for federal granting programs that focus on economic corridors.

Highway 1 expansion has already been identified for advocacy efforts directed at federal funding. The issue of securing adequate support for major highways remains a recurring theme in Alberta’s discussions with the federal government. The concern is ensuring proper investment for economic corridors and high-volume roads that serve as the backbone of transportation in the province.

Dreeshen made it clear that Alberta will continue to press the federal government for financial participation. 

“(would) I say I would like more federal funding and improvements for Highway 1? Yes, it is a major artery,” he said. 

According to the province, Highway 1 sees higher usage in Alberta compared to other provinces across the country. That fact forms a central part of the argument for more support.

The position is that Alberta deserves stronger funding commitments in recognition of the greater demands placed on Highway 1 within its borders. Ensuring improvements is considered essential for both safety and economic growth. The message being reinforced is that the province will not step back from seeking a fair share of infrastructure dollars.

Highway 1 is being advanced through planning and design at several key intersections. The intersection at Highway 1, Garden Road, and Conrich Road has entered the design stage. Preliminary work is being handled by an engineering consultant. The intention is to connect both Garden Road and Conrich Road through a new interchange. The timing of construction will depend on the completion of the final design.

A similar initiative is taking shape at the Highway 1 and Highway 791 intersection, which provides access to the Indus area to the south. This project is included in the construction program for design, and the province is currently hiring a consultant to begin work. These steps are aimed at creating a safer and more efficient traffic system for drivers and communities along the corridor.

“So, Highway 1 is obviously an important corridor in Alberta, and we will continue to advocate for more federal funding on it,” said Dreeshen. 

The commitment to advancing design work on interchanges while also pressing for federal dollars reflects a dual approach. Alberta is preparing projects through planning while also calling for broader investment.

Together, these priorities highlight the province’s focus on making Highway 1 and Highway 3 safer, more efficient, and better equipped for long-term growth.