Upgrades to Highway 28 remain a top priority for the Lakeland, with new progress reported in the Alberta Legislature as pressure continues to grow on one of northeastern Alberta’s busiest corridors.

Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr raised the issue during Question Period, asking for an update on work being done to improve safety and capacity along the highway.

“The response was clear: work is happening, and more is on the way,” Cyr said.

$66 million already invested

According to Cyr, the province has already committed $66 million toward improvements along Highway 28.

That work includes:

• Intersection upgrades
• Signal replacements
• Curve reconstruction
• Additional passing and climbing lanes

The improvements are aimed at increasing safety and improving traffic flow for the thousands of drivers who rely on the corridor daily.

Twinning between Bonnyville and Cold Lake in planning stages

One of the most anticipated developments is the planned twinning of Highway 28 between Bonnyville and Cold Lake.

Engineering work is now underway on that section, marking a key step toward eventual construction.

Cyr said the project is critical to meeting future demand and improving safety on a heavily travelled stretch of road.

More upgrades planned across the corridor

Additional work is also planned or in development across other sections of Highway 28, including:

• Signal upgrades and lane changes through Bonnyville
• A 41-kilometre paving overlay between Warspite and Highway 36 scheduled for 2026
• Ongoing safety improvements along the corridor
• Design work for paving between Vilna and Ashmont, tentatively planned for 2027

Engineering is also progressing on sections closer to Edmonton, including areas from Anthony Henday Drive to north of Highway 642 and from Gibbons to Highway 63.

Growing demand driving urgency

The need for upgrades is being driven by continued activity in oil and gas, agriculture and tourism, along with expected growth tied to the F-35 expansion at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

Cyr said that growth will continue to increase pressure on the highway in the years ahead.

Long-term focus remains

While timelines for major construction phases have not yet been finalized, Cyr said the project remains a priority for the province.

He added that continued collaboration between municipalities, Indigenous communities and the provincial government will be key to moving the project forward.

“Highway 28 remains a priority… because the people of the Lakeland deserve safe, reliable infrastructure today and into the future,” Cyr said.

The updates signal steady progress on a corridor that many in the region say is critical to both economic growth and everyday life.