Highway 63 and True North Road between Peter Lougheed Bridge and Fort Hills Planning Study

Overview

Highway 63 and True North Road intersect in the Taiga Nova Eco-Industrial Park, located in the northern part of Fort McMurray. This intersection serves as a primary access point for the industrial park and is situated just south of the Supertest Hill area. True North Road is a local road that is owned by the Rural Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Background and current issues

Approximately 5700 vehicles use Highway 63 between the Peter Lougheed Bridge and the intersection of Muskeg River Mine Access (MRM) Road annually. About 2,300 vehicles use the section of Highway 63 between the intersection of MRM Access Road and the start of True North Road. There are challenges accommodating over-weight and over-dimensional loads on this route, particularly at the bridge crossing due to geometric deficiencies. Improvements are required to address continued industrial/commuter traffic that relies on Highway 63 and True North Road.

Study focus and potential improvements

This functional planning study will explore interim and ultimate plans to improve the level of service and overall function of the  33 kilometres of 63 and True North Road, between Peter Lougheed Bridge and Fort Hills. Improvements may include: 

• passing/climbing lanes
• intersection improvements
• sections of twinning
• reconfiguration of Peter Lougheed Bridge

Design/construction of the proposed improvements is not on the current three- year Provincial Construction Program and remains contingent on future funding approval.

The proposed improvements follow the functional planning study completed in 2001 on Highway 63:14 and True North Road to plan highway realignment and grade widening. Previous improvements include culvert repairs in 2021, and pavement overlay work in 2018 on approximately 500 metres of Highway 63.

Public and Indigenous engagement

This planning study will include public and Indigenous consultation and a historical desktop review to determine areas of archeological concern. The Government of Alberta Aboriginal Consultation Office will be engaged to identify First Nation and Metis Nation groups with whom consultation will be required as part of the study. 

Environmental review

An environmental review will be completed to explore potential environmental concerns within the study area such as potential impact to native, sensitive or at-risk species, biodiversity zones, or Water Act approvals that may be required with respect to potential impacts on creeks or wetlands within the planning area. 

Benefits

The study will address capacity issues and make recommendations to support safe and efficient travel as this area continues to grow and develop. If approved, the proposed improvements will: 

• enhance safety of industrial commuter traffic in the area
• better accommodate over-size, over-dimensional roads that use the route

The improvements will also support economic development in the Fort McMurray area by accommodating increased traffic, which is anticipated to increase as the region continues to grow with ongoing development.

Contact

For further information about this planning study, please contact:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]