Highway 3 is a vital economic corridor serving as the primary east-west link for southern Alberta and the major connector between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway. It is also a key route for the movement of agricultural products, supporting the growing agri-business sector in this region of the province, and so fully twinning the highway will support the movement of goods and services in the agriculture industry and many others.
“This highway is critical infrastructure in support of the growing agri-food processing industry, and the movement of commercial traffic in the region in an efficient and reliable manner. The vision to twin Highway 3 has been around for a long time and I’m glad we’re finally making this vision a reality.”
“The twinning of Highway 3 is a transformative project for southern Alberta. For decades, many have dreamed of this day and thanks to the Premier and Minister Dreeshen’s vision, we are finally getting it done. The Agri-food Processing Corridor is attracting many multinational companies to the southern Alberta and our infrastructure must keep pace.”
The growing agri-business and the continued development and expansion of agri-food processing plants has led to safety concerns regarding increased traffic volumes and congestion on Highway 3. Twinning reduces congestion and adds an extra layer of safety for all users, virtually eliminating the risk of head on collisions, giving travelers peace of mind on their journey.
"This twinning marks a transformative moment for Taber, with the project poised to significantly boost our local economy by improving access for our agricultural producers and attracting new businesses along the Highway 3 transportation corridor.”
“This vital development will enhance the agri-food corridor, boosting efficiency and economic growth. Moreover, the improved transportation safety will benefit all travellers, making our roads safer and more reliable, contributing to the overall well-being and growth of our region.”
“This improved highway is expected to stimulate economic growth by attracting more commercial activity and fostering regional development, enabling the County’s premier agricultural products to more easily participate in Canada’s premier food corridor.”
Twinning Highway 3 will not only improve safety, but it will also increase the corridor’s capacity to accommodate the growing mix of commercial and commuter traffic.
The first phase of construction is twinning 46 kilometres of Highway 3 between Taber and Burdett, which will create more than 750 jobs and promote economic growth throughout southern Alberta. Approximately 4,000 vehicles per day travel through this section of Highway 3.
“We applaud the Government of Alberta, the Department of Transportation, and the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, the Hon. Devin Dreeshen, for their commitment to this vital and long-awaited project. The return on this investment will certainly be key, and timing critical for building Canada’s premier agri-food corridor.”
“As a vital economic corridor in this province, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) is thrilled to see the Government of Alberta announce a historic investment to upgrade Highway 3. Twinning the section between Taber and Burdett means increased safety for AMTA members, Albertans, and visitors alike, all while ensuring our world-class goods and services can be shared safely with the world.”
The project contract was awarded in the fall of 2023 and construction is now underway. This section will take about two years to complete and is anticipated to open to traffic in late 2025.
Full twinning of the 324 km highway, from border to border, is being split into eight sections to limit costs and avoid disruption to people that live and work along the route.
Key Facts
- The budget for this project is $170 million.
- The eight sections of this project include:
- Taber to Burdett (46 km)
- Highway 3X/Coleman Bypass (14 km): Planning studies have been completed, an engineering contract has been awarded and design work will begin in mid-2024.
- West of Seven Persons to Medicine Hat (36 km): Planning studies have been completed, the engineering contract has been awarded and design work is underway.
- Blairmore to east of Highway 22 (21 km): Planning studies have been completed and engineering is expected to begin in fall 2024.
- East of Highway 22 to east of Highway 6 at Pincher Creek (20 km): Planning studies have been completed and engineering is expected to begin in winter 2024.
- East of Burdett to west of Seven Persons (30 km): A functional planning study has been completed and the province will continue to consult with the Town of Bow Island and other stakeholders to finalize the alignment.
- Pincher Creek to west of Fort Macleod (38 km): A functional planning study through the Piikani First Nation Reserve is underway and will continue for some time.
- Alberta/B.C. border to Highway 3X. Continued engagement with B.C is necessary to consider alignment with improvements being planned through the B.C. portion.