Whitemud Drive expansion in west Edmonton, Enoch to start this spring

A west-end section of Whitemud Drive is expanding after years of congestion and collisions. CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenny has the details.

Those travelling in west Edmonton will soon have an easier way to get around after the province, city, and Enoch Cree Nation announced a $30-million expansion to Whitemud Drive.

The project will expand Whitemud Drive to a four-lane divided roadway, connecting communities west of Highway 60, west Edmonton, and Enoch Cree Nation.

“As Alberta continues to have strong growth, it comes as no surprise that traffic on our highways also has increased,” said Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen at a press conference Monday. “In the west part of Edmonton, traffic congestion has obviously been intensifying.”

The 2.4-kilometre stretch will extend from Winterburn Road to 231 Street, which will see a full road closure during construction, which is expected to wrap up in 2027.

Expansion is funded by a partnership with the city, the Government of Alberta and Enoch Cree Nation.

“This is incredibly important, and this is a sign of what is possible when all three orders of government are coming together to support one another,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “It’s through this partnership that we can continue to make life better for everyone that we serve.”

Enoch Cree Nation is leading the project through its Prism Engineering at the helm of the plan.

“This is a true partnership in action, displaying unity that creates a safer world for our future generations,” said Enoch Cree Nation Chief Cody Thomas. “This project shows that it is possible to build together. It is possible to share the table equally.”