The much-anticipated project is now open to single-lane traffic and completion is expected by the end of October.
“Fort Saskatchewan-area residents and industry can look forward to a smoother and quicker drive when heading through Fort Saskatchewan. This project will significantly ease traffic congestion and improve the movement of goods and services through the important economic corridor serving Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.”
“Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is the economic lifeblood of the province. The completion of the Highway 15 bridge expansion will allow both goods and people to move more easily in and out of the heartland. I am pleased that our government supported such a vital project for Fort Saskatchewan.”
“The pedestrian crossing portion of the Highway 15 bridge project is one of 14 initiatives of the River Valley Alliance's $110-million capital program to connect the longest river valley pedestrian trail in North America through the longest river valley park system in North America. This initiative was launched 20 years ago to support and promote active and healthy lifestyles, anchor the social, environmental and economic fabric of the region, and stimulate regional community building and revitalization initiatives.”
The project includes a new four-lane highway and a new bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, including:
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Twinning 3.2 kilometres of Highway 15 between
Highway 37 and the 99 Avenue overpass in
Fort Saskatchewan. -
Construction of a new bridge over the North Saskatchewan River, which includes a new pedestrian crossing.
Work on previous phases of the project included:
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Twinning 3.5 kilometres of Highway 15 between Highway 28A and Highway 37, completed in June 2020.
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Intersection improvements at Highway 37, Highway 15 and Highway 825, completed in October 2019.
Quick facts
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Highway 15 is an important transportation and trade corridor that supports travel to and from Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.
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The Highway 15 bridge over the North Saskatchewan River was running over capacity, resulting in major traffic delays, particularly during peak hours.
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Traffic volume on the bridge has increased by 50 per cent in recent years. More than 23,000 vehicles a day cross over the bridge.
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Alberta Transportation’s guidelines consider twinning highway infrastructure when traffic volumes reach 10,000 vehicles per day.
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The cost of the Highway 15 project is $110 million and supports about 500 direct and indirect jobs.
About River Valley Alliance
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The River Valley Alliance is a non-profit, charitable organization governed by six member municipalities: Town of Devon, Parkland County, City of Edmonton, Strathcona County, Sturgeon County and City of Fort Saskatchewan.
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The River Valley Alliance’s capital program includes 74 kilometres of trails, three pedestrian bridges, several docks and boat launches, park improvements and a mechanized access feature.
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Funding is equally shared from the Government of Alberta (Environment and Parks), Government of Canada (Building Canada Fund) and the municipalities.
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The Highway 15 pedestrian river crossing is a vital link in achieving full connectivity through the river valley, which will be 75 per cent complete by 2025.