LAKELAND - Alberta’s recent provincial budget announcement included upgrades to Highway 881, a major roadway running north to south through the Lakeland region.
Scott Cyr, the MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake, says the Highway 881 project is poised to bring substantial improvements to the Lakeland area.
According to Cyr, plans for Highway 881 include the construction of almost 40 kilometres of new climbing and passing lanes in 14 different locations along the northern portion of the highway. The new construction will happen for northbound and southbound traffic.
“This development is designed to significantly improve the flow of traffic, making travel both safer and more efficient for all road users,” Cyr told Lakeland This Week.
Regarding the project’s timeline, Cyr confirmed that the design phase is nearing completion, and the necessary land acquisitions have also been finalized. The current focus is on acquiring environmental permits and approvals. Cyr said preliminary work such as tree clearing and utility relocation-scheduled for 2024-will pave the way for the main construction, which is anticipated for next year.
“We expect construction to commence in 2025, with an anticipated completion date in 2028,” he said.
Cyr continued by saying that improvements are also planned for key intersections, namely at Surmount Lodge Access and Enbridge Cheecham Terminal Access. These upgrades, he stated, will ensure that these intersections meet current design standards, thus further contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the highway.
Additionally, an over-dimensional staging area is set to be constructed. This addition, he said, will benefit heavy and long-haul trucks by providing them with a designated space to stage their loads, thereby enhancing safety and logistics for oversized transport operations.
Improvements for the region
While Cyr’s Bonnyville-area constituency doesn’t include the northern stretch of the highway, he says the improvements will cascade into many areas of the Lakeland region. He says many area companies have staff who use the busy north south route to the oil sands on a regular basis. Cyr says the enhancements that will be made to Highway 881 are designed to support economic development in the area.
“By facilitating smoother and more efficient transport, the project will contribute positively to local businesses, including the logistics and transportation sectors, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents,” he said.
Cyr said community members who want updates on the project's progress are encouraged to contact his office.
“We appreciate your engagement and look forward to the many benefits this project will bring to our area,” he said.
The northern portion of Highway 881, north of Lac La Biche, was one of the last provincial highways in the region to be fully paved. It wasn’t until late in the 1990s that all of the stretch from Fort McMurray to Lac La Biche was paved.
