The province is moving ahead with the Highway 3 twinning project. (Photo 89405525 © Jhansen2 | Dreamstime.com)

By Christian Oldale

HIGHWAY 3

‘A key economic corridor’: Twinning of Highway 3 moving ahead

Nov 20, 2023 | 3:40 PM

TABER, AB – The twinning of Highway 3 is moving ahead.

Alberta’s government has awarded the first contract to begin twinning Highway 3 between the town of Taber and the hamlet of Burdett.

The contract for the 46-kilometre project, which the province is providing $179.7 million for, was awarded to Ledcor Highways Ltd. Pre-construction work, including acquiring the right of way and relocating utilities, is underway and is set to be completed this year.

Work on twinning of that stretch of Highway 3 is scheduled to start in the spring and is expected to be complete in 2025.

“Highway 3 is a key economic corridor in southern Alberta between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway,” transportation minister Devin Dreeshen said.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

5h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“It is critical infrastructure for Alberta’s growing agri-business industry and will enhance tourism and improve safety in the region as well.”

In order to complete twinning of the highway from border to border, work will done in 8 phases to limit costs and minimize disruption to people and businesses along the route.

The phases are:

• Phase 1, 46 kilometres – twin Highway 3 between Taber and Burdett
• Phase 2, 10 kilometres – Highway 3X/Coleman Bypass
• Phase 3, 15 kilometres – east of Seven Persons to Medicine Hat
• Phase 4, 47 kilometres – Blairmore to east of Highway 6 at Pincher Creek
• Phase 5, 28 kilometres – east of Bow Island to east of Seven Persons
• Phase 6, 23 kilometres – east of Burdett to east of Bow Island
• Phase 7, 38 kilometres – Pincher Creek to west of Fort Macleod
• Phase 8, eight kilometres – Alberta/B.C. border to Highway 3X

The project is expected to support 755 jobs.