Existing Highway 3 at 129 Street (Blairmore) looking south.
Improving Highway 3
What is Happening?
As part of its commitment to twin Highway 3, the Government of Alberta has initiated design for 11 new kilometres of Highway 3X. This new section will provide a secondary route option for travel between Sentinel and Blairmore, while maintaining the existing route which runs through Coleman.
The new segment is being designed to help ensure that current and future traffic needs can be met while helping to improve travel times and overall safety for the travelling public.
Why are These Improvements Being Made?
Highway 3 is a vital economic corridor and east-west link, and is the major connector between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Twinning Highway 3 between the borders of British Columbia and Saskatchewan will improve safety and traffic flow, support economic development, and spur investment along this critical transportation corridor.
This new segment of highway will create an alternative route for commercial vehicles, including those carrying hazardous materials and dangerous goods. This will help improve both travel times through this important economic corridor, and the safety of local communities.
Creating a new multi-lane alignment as part of the twinning for this section of Highway 3 is part of the Government’s commitment to twin all of Highway 3. Traffic volumes for this existing section of Highway 3 currently exceed the current two-lane limits, and there is not enough space available within the existing alignment to make all of the necessary improvements.
Existing Highway 3 at 20 Avenue (Blairmore) looking west.
Key Project Features
The following key improvements are currently being designed as part of this project*:
Approximately 11 km of new highway, with intersections and potential interchanges, to connect the existing highway and business corridor with the new segment of highway, subject to funding availability
Enhanced signage, including signage to promote local businesses and attractions
New pedestrian infrastructure to enhance pedestrian connectivity
Service roads
New wildlife fencing and crossings along the highway to protect wildlife, and support the preservation and maintenance of important wildlife movement corridors
Approximately 7 new bridge structures
*Please note that details are subject to change as the project moves through the design phase and details are finalized ahead of construction.