ort McMurray-Cold Lake MP Laila Goodridge is calling on the Alberta government to take immediate action on what she describes as deteriorating and unsafe conditions along Highway 63 and Highway 881.

In a letter dated June 9 to Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, Goodridge outlined concerns she says have been repeatedly raised by residents regarding road conditions, maintenance standards and emergency preparedness on two of northeastern Alberta’s most critical transportation corridors.

“The current state of these vital transportation corridors poses a significant safety and economic risk to everyone who relies on them each day,” wrote Goodridge.

She noted that Highway 63 serves as the primary route into and out of Fort McMurray, making it essential for residents, businesses and emergency response.

Concerns Include Potholes, Flooding and Maintenance Delays

Goodridge said residents have reported increasingly poor road conditions, including large potholes, flooding, inadequate ditch maintenance, insufficient snow clearing and a lack of functional lighting along portions of Highway 63.

She also highlighted ongoing concerns with Highway 881, including flooding issues, recurring bridge washouts, potholes and the absence of additional passing lanes.

“I’ve never seen the condition of the highway this bad,” she wrote.

According to the letter, Goodridge has received numerous calls, emails and messages from constituents expressing concern about both highways and asking her to raise the issue with provincial officials.

Winter Storm Response Highlighted

Goodridge pointed to a late winter storm in April as an example of the challenges facing the region’s transportation network.

During that event, motorists were stranded overnight on Highway 63, with some reportedly facing medical emergencies and shortages of food and fuel while waiting for conditions to improve.

She credited residents, first responders and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for stepping in to help affected travellers.

“I would also like to thank the dedication of the RCMP and all the first responders who ensured everyone was safe as well as the amazing residents of Fort McMurray who jumped into action and got it done – bringing food and fuel to the many stranded motorists,” Goodridge wrote.

She also praised Mayor Sandy Bowman and municipal leadership for organizing transportation assistance and deploying local equipment and operators to help manage the situation.

Calls for Immediate and Long-Term Solutions

In her letter, Goodridge argued that residents of the Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo region rely heavily on Highways 63 and 881 not only for daily travel but also as critical evacuation and supply routes.

She expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of responsiveness and accountability compared to highway maintenance standards in other parts of Alberta.

“People are frustrated, they expect the province to act and to act quickly,” she wrote.

Goodridge said some community members have become so frustrated that they have begun discussing completing certain repairs themselves.

She also emphasized the economic importance of the region, noting that northeastern Alberta plays a major role in the province’s energy sector and deserves transportation infrastructure that reflects that contribution.

“Our residents deserve safe, reliably maintained highways,” she wrote. “Our region drives Alberta’s economy, producing most of the oil in Alberta and we pay more than our fair share into the provincial coffers.”

The MP concluded her letter by requesting a prompt response from the province outlining both immediate actions and longer-term plans to address concerns on Highways 63 and 881.

The letter was also copied to Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Northern Development Tany Yao, and Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation and Strategic Development Scott Cyr.