A major infrastructure project in the M.D. of Bonnyville has received a significant funding boost from the Alberta government.

On June 25, the province announced $1.425 million through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) to replace a bridge-sized culvert on Range Road 490 over Punk Creek, located north of Highway 55.

The project will replace aging infrastructure that serves as an important transportation route within the municipality and is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Transportation and Economic Development Scott Cyr joined members of M.D. council for the announcement.

“This investment shows that our government is delivering real results for the people of the M.D. of Bonnyville,” Cyr said. “Alberta’s government is putting rural communities first by funding the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving. This commitment reflects our focus on strengthening the region and supporting the families who call Bonnyville home.”

The funding comes as the M.D. continues to advocate for increased provincial investment in rural transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges and culverts.

Deputy Reeve Ben Fadeyiw welcomed the announcement, saying the funding will help address one of the municipality’s infrastructure priorities.

“This is a great first step in helping the M.D. address ongoing transportation and infrastructure concerns,” Fadeyiw said. “We appreciate the province’s consideration and look forward to working together on more projects in the future.”

The Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program provides provincial funding for transportation projects that improve the movement of people, goods and services throughout Alberta.

The replacement of the bridge-sized culvert over Punk Creek is expected to improve the long-term reliability of the roadway while supporting residents, agricultural producers and industry that rely on the route.

The announcement follows ongoing discussions by M.D. council over the past several months about the growing cost of maintaining aging rural infrastructure. During recent budget deliberations, council identified bridges and major culverts as one of the municipality’s largest long-term financial challenges, estimating tens of millions of dollars will be required over the coming years to replace aging structures throughout the municipality.

Construction on the Range Road 490 culvert replacement project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.