Major upgrades are coming to sections of Highway 16 running through Edson, as well as surrounding sections between McLeod River Bridge and Highway 47.
The repaving project, to be done in collaboration between the Government of Alberta and the Town of Edson, is intended to improve safety, structural integrity and efficiency as an economic corridor.
“Edson town council is thrilled that our advocacy efforts have proven successful. Edsonites and the 18,000 vehicles that pass through our town on a daily basis are going to have a much smoother ride due to us working together as partners,” comments Mayor Kevin Zahara.
Town officials say the new pavement will be higher quality than the existing material and more resilient to high traffic volumes and vehicle weights.
The project includes about 30 kilometres of surface repaving on the east and westbound lanes. Due to the scale of the project, it is expected to be completed over two construction seasons by the fall of 2027.
Upgrades to underground municipal infrastructure along 2 Avenue should begin in late spring or early summer. Highway paving through the town will begin once all the underground infrastructure work is completed, officials say.
The town says administration officials have worked closely with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors over the last two years to plan and review the project.
“The work that MLA Martin Long did on our behalf was instrumental in our success, as well as the willingness of Minister Dreeshen to meet and visit Edson to see the issues for himself. We appreciate the partnership with the Government of Alberta to help address our residents’ concerns and improve the movement of goods through the province on this important Economic Corridor.”
The town is contributing more than $3 million toward the improvements.
“This repaving project shows what can happen when local advocacy and provincial action come together,” says Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure and West Yellowhead MLA. “Edson’s leadership has been exceptional, and working with them and my colleague Minister Dreeshen, we have been able to make this repaving a priority which will enhance safety, support residents, and boost economic movement through our region.”
