The Government of Alberta announced that construction to widen the southwest leg of Anthony Henday Drive is now complete.
To reduce congestion and travel time for drivers and commercial carriers, this 18-kilometre expansion project added a third lane in both the eastbound and westbound directions and widened bridge structures over the North Saskatchewan River. All eastbound lanes and westbound lanes are now open to traffic.
“Southwest Henday has long been a source of frustration for drivers. The addition of a new lane in each direction means Edmonton families will spend less time stuck in traffic, and more time at home doing the things they love. The new six-lane section will also reduce travel times between the region’s major economic corridors, the QEII and Yellowhead Highway,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
The new lanes along the Anthony Henday Drive run between Calgary Trail and Whitemud Drive. This portion was originally constructed to accommodate 40,000 vehicles daily. With the expansion, this section can now accommodate up to 120,000 vehicles per day.
“The completion of this project is excellent news for residents of the City of Edmonton. Anthony Henday Drive is a vital goods movement and mobility corridor, not only for residents of southwest Edmonton but for those travelling through our part of the city to and from other parts of the Metro Edmonton region. This is truly a very welcome announcement and a great day in Edmonton,” said Tim Cartmell, Ward pihêsiwin councillor, City of Edmonton.
Drivers will save up to 15 minutes when travelling along Anthony Henday Drive from Highway 2 to Whitemud Drive. With the widened roadway, it will now take only about 10 minutes to travel through this section. Prior to this expansion, it would take drivers 20 to 25 minutes.
“The Anthony Henday is a critical part of Alberta’s and the Edmonton Metropolitan Region’s transportation and logistics infrastructure. This expansion will help solidify our region’s leadership in North America in the movement of goods and people, particularly its role connecting air and rail to ground transportation. Congratulations to everyone involved in this major milestone,” said Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global.
“Anthony Henday Drive is one of the Edmonton Metro Region’s most important traffic arteries. What was originally constructed to accommodate 40,000 vehicles daily now sees double that. Thanks to this expansion, the section can now accommodate up to 120,000 vehicles per day. The EMRB applauds the Government of Alberta for making this important investment in the region’s future,” said Allan Gamble, mayor, Parkland County and chair, Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board.
Non-traffic-related work will continue until next spring. The speed limit across the bridges will be 80 kilometres per hour until the work is complete.
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