CYR: Highway 28: A Lifeline for the Lakeland

Highway 28 is the backbone of Lakeland. It connects families, fuels industry, and keeps our communities moving — a true lifeline for Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and St. Paul.

This week in the Legislature, MLA Scott Cyr asked the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, about the urgent need to improve and twin this vital route. The minister reaffirmed our government’s strong commitment to the Lakeland and outlined key progress already underway.

Major Investments and Upgrades Coming

“Highway 28 is vital for our region’s future, supporting oil-sands access, tourism, and essential services,” said Cyr. “It’s exciting to see work already taking place and further improvements being planned, ensuring this critical corridor continues to serve the Lakeland for generations to come.”

According to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, Budget 2025 commits $18 million for safety improvements between Smoky Lake and Cold Lake, including intersection upgrades, drainage work, and pavement rehabilitation.

Other planned work includes:
▪️ 26 intersection upgrades
▪️ 15 new climbing and passing lanes
▪️ Five new rest areas
▪️ Curve realignments
▪️ A new two-lane roundabout at Smoky Lake (Highway 855)

Traffic-signal upgrades and lane reconfiguration through Bonnyville will also enhance safety and traffic flow along the town’s main corridor.

Long-term, the province has committed to twinning from east of Bonnyville (Highway 660) to south of Cold Lake, with design and engineering work now underway. Consultants will be engaged through early 2026 for major twinning sections, including:

• North of Anthony Henday to Highway 803 (west of Gibbons)

• Highways 28A / 28 / 63 from Edmonton to Grassland

• Bonnyville to Cold Lake

Bonnyville Roadwork Update

Construction of upgrades through the Town of Bonnyville, originally set to begin this fall, has been delayed slightly to coordinate with local underground and surface work managed by the Town.

“This coordinated approach saves taxpayers money, reduces disruption for residents and businesses, and ensures a longer-lasting result for everyone who travels Highway 28,” Cyr explained. “It also reflects strong collaboration between the province and the Town of Bonnyville, making sure local priorities are addressed while highway improvements move forward.”

Once complete, residents can expect safer intersections, smoother traffic flow, and a more welcoming main corridor through Bonnyville.

Cyr reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to push for continued investment: “I’ll continue to advocate until the full project is complete. Highway 28 is more than a road — it’s a lifeline for the Lakeland.”