Saskatchewan partners with Alberta on Highway 17 passing lane project

The provincial governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan have joined forces to add passing lanes to a stretch of Highway 17, north of Lloydminster.

The project will see three sets of passing lanes installed on a section of the highway stretching north nearly 50 kilometres from the City of Lloydminster. Like the city itself, the highway straddles the Saskatchewan-Alberta border.

“Passing lanes contribute to a 30 per cent reduction in fatal and injury collisions,” said Lori Carr, Minister of Highways. “More than a 90 per cent reduction in sideswipes, opposite directions, head on and rear end fatal and injury collisions.”

Construction is expected to begin next year, following the completion of the design phase and a tender process. The project’s total cost won’t be known until those early phases are completed.

“Saskatchewan has already done amazing advance work on a passing lanes strategy and it is exciting to see that will support this major Highway 17 project,” said Carr in a statement.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, Highway 17 typically sees between 1,700 and 6,000 vehicles per day.

“We know passing lanes make highways safer, are cost-effective and support Saskatchewan’s strong and growing export-based economy, which allows our government to invest in the services and quality of life our citizens expect.”

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“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,” Devin Dreeshen, Alberta’s minister of transportation and economic corridors, said in a statement.

The three passing lanes will be a 50/50 split on the total cost of the highway, Carr 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,” Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers added.

Saskatchewan and Alberta have signed an agreement to collaborate on economic corridor projects that will benefit both provinces. In addition to the passing lane project, the two governments are working together to complete an all-weather road from La Loche to Fort McMurray, known as Highway 956.