New Leduc interchange drives investment, creates jobs

Construction on the interchange is expected to begin in summer 2022. The interchange will be cost-shared by the Government of Alberta and the City of Leduc, with provincial taxpayers investing nearly $80 million.

“As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, we are modernizing Alberta’s infrastructure, building the architecture of the future economy and creating jobs. This critical investment sets our province up for success and prosperity for generations to come.”

“The QEII is the busiest stretch of highway in Alberta and a critical economic and trade corridor. The Edmonton International Airport is growing as a significant cargo hub. This project supports hundreds of jobs while providing carriers, commuters and consumers safer and more efficient access to the area.”

“I am excited that the 65 Avenue interchange project is now fully funded and construction will be proceeding. This is a critical investment for Alberta in our booming trade corridor and has been decades in the making. This project will support our growing community and business sector by creating jobs as well as driving future investment and growth in the City of Leduc, Leduc County, the Edmonton International Airport and Alberta.”

The project will deliver safer and more efficient connections between the City of Leduc, the Edmonton International Airport and area businesses.

“Unlocking the full economic potential of our region is a top priority for the City of Leduc and our Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board partners, and this critical infrastructure investment is a groundbreaking step forward. We are thrilled for the development to move ahead with the support and collaboration of the Province of Alberta and our valued regional partners.”

“Our mandate goes beyond flights; we operate as a true economic engine for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. This increased road access will support our multi-modal cargo operations and growth as a global logistics hub for Western Canada. We had another record year in 2021 for cargo at EIA and this development will position our region for continued cargo growth that will create jobs, promote economic diversification and benefit all Albertans.”

Quick facts

• The QEII Highway and Leduc 65 Avenue interchange project includes:
  • a new overpass over the QEII Highway
  • new on-off ramps from the QEII Highway
  • improvements to some existing ramps
  • intersection improvements at 65 Avenue and 50 Street in Leduc
  • completion of Perimeter Road and 65 Avenue, west of the QEII Highway

• The interchange is estimated to cost about $96 million.

• A little more than $5 million has been spent on engineering, design and some land acquisition, split between Alberta’s government, the City of Leduc and EIA. The province’s portion is $1.2 million.
• The construction contribution for the remaining $91 million includes:
  • Government of Alberta - $78.5 million
  • City of Leduc - $12.5 million

• Construction is anticipated to take about three years, beginning in 2022.
• The City of Leduc is tendering the project.
• About 49,700 vehicles travel this stretch of the QEII Highway every day.