Shovels will be hitting the ground on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in the coming weeks.

They announced on Tuesday construction on the project will officially get underway before Christmas after years of delays.

“Getting shovels in the ground in Alberta and kicking off pipeline construction is a pivotal moment for Trans Mountain,” said Ian Anderson, President and CEO of Trans Mountain, in a release.

Work actually started back in August as crews worked on the Westridge Marine Terminal, Burnaby Terminal, and at pump stations in Alberta.

However, this will be first time pipe will be laid since the project was re-approved by the federal government.

“This Project is supporting workers and will keep our energy sector strong – in the short, medium, and long term,” added Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.

“This is a good day for our sector. It’s a good day for Alberta. It’s a good day for Canada.”

The project has been in limbo since the Federal Court of Appeal halted it back in August 2018.

The government of Canada re-approved the project in June after the National Energy Board recommended it should move forward.

“Today is an exciting step forward for Trans Mountain,” added Sonya Savage, Alberta’s Minister of Energy.

“It is also a step forward for not only Alberta, but for the economic growth and prosperity for Canada as a whole.”