The design of passing lanes for Highway 17 north of Lloydminster is planned for 2025.
Alberta transport minister Devin Dreeshen and Saskatchewan highways minister Lori Carr announced on July 4 that the two provinces will work together on the Highway 17 passing lanes project north of the Border City.
The project’s design is expected to be completed in 2025. Tendering will follow with on-road construction expected no earlier than 2025. The cost won’t be known until the design and tendering are completed.
The inter-provincial project is moving forward as the two provinces cement a closer working relationship by signing the Collaboration on the Advancement of Economic Corridors Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
“We know passing lanes make highways safer, are cost-effective, and support Saskatchewan’s strong and growing export-based economy,” said Carr.
“Alberta is proud to work with Saskatchewan to advance these economic corridor projects that will improve the efficiency of our transportation networks, provide safe travel on these highways, and promote economic development opportunities,” noted Dreeshen.
Once completed, the highway will have three sets of new passing lanes installed on a 46.75 km-long segment of Highway 17 stretching from Lloydminster and heading north.
“Our city on the Alberta-Saskatchewan Border works with many communities in both provinces to better position the region for growth and to enhance the services for all the people we all have the privilege of serving,” City of Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers said. “It is wonderful to see the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan working toward a common goal to enhance Highway 17 in the future, which will improve transportation in the area when the project is completed.”
Traffic on Highway 17 currently ranges from about 1,700 to 6,000 vehicles per day. Some of the key transportation users in the area include commuters, along with the agricultural and energy sectors.
