The province says wildfires have reinforced the urgent need for safe and reliable evacuation routes in northern Alberta.
If Budget 2025 is passed, the province plans to spend $311 million over three years to increase emergency routes in the north.
One major project will be a road extending Highway 686 between Peerless Lake and Fort McMurray. It will add 218 kilometers of new highway creating a “critical east-west corridor” in northern Alberta, said Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen on Tuesday at a press conference.
“It will also strengthen transportation for industry, improving the movement of products, heavy equipment and essential goods and services,” Dreeshen said.
The province said the extension will also benefit many First Nations who say they’ve been fighting for better road access.
“The province has heard our Nations’ voices and has been engaged early and meaningfully, and that is what will ensure this project benefits our communities, our people and future generations,” said Loon River First Nation Chief Ivan Sawan.
Other projects include adding more than 200 kilometres to Highway 686 heading west, connecting Fort McMurray and Peerless Lake, and expanding Highway 881 between Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche.
Construction for Highway 881 is expected to take three to four years and would be completed by fall 2028.
La Loche, Sask. will also see a road connecting to Fort McMurray, costing $7 million over three years.
Budget 2025 includes $8.5 billion dollars over three years for transportation.
