Alberta Invests Over $300M in Northern Highway Projects

FORT MCMURRAY — Alberta is investing more than $300 million to improve highways in the province’s north, aiming to boost economic trade, enhance wildfire evacuation routes, and strengthen regional connectivity.

A key project is the 218-kilometre expansion of Highway 686, linking Peerless Lake to Fort McMurray and ultimately connecting to Grande Prairie via Parsons Creek. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen highlighted the highway’s dual role in supporting trade and serving as a crucial evacuation route for communities at risk of wildfires.

The province is also allocating nearly $100 million for safety upgrades to Highway 881, which connects Fort McMurray to Lac La Biche, including new passing lanes and intersection improvements. An additional $14 million will extend Highway 956 to complete Alberta’s portion of the route linking La Loche, Saskatchewan, which has already completed its side of the corridor.

Dreeshen emphasized Alberta’s collaboration with First Nations in planning the projects, recognizing the involvement of Fort McKay First Nation, Peerless Trout First Nation, Loon River First Nation, and Bigstone Cree First Nation in route selection. He noted that all parties see the economic benefits of improved transportation infrastructure.

The projects will roll out over the next three years