By Brandie Majeau
At a rural media roundtable held on August 11, 2026, Alberta’s Minister of
Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, addressed a range of
transportation issues currently affecting the province. The meeting brought together
local media representatives to discuss high-profile projects and ongoing challenges,
providing insight into the government’s priorities as Alberta’s population and
transportation needs continue to grow.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the widening of areas on the
QE2 highway, one of Alberta’s busiest transportation corridors. Media inquiries focused
on the balance between infrastructure development and environmental stewardship,
with particular attention to the impact on parklands and wetlands. Minister Dreeshen
acknowledged these concerns, reiterating the government’s commitment to responsible
expansion while highlighting the necessity of maintaining 64,000 lanes of traffic in the
province. He pointed to Alberta’s recent population growth, with 400,000 new drivers
added, as a driving factor behind these projects.
Other pressing topics included damage caused by landslides and severe weather
events, as well as the reduction in air service to regional airports following WestJet’s
withdrawal from several smaller communities. Minister Dreeshen assured attendees
that assessments and repairs following natural disasters are ongoing, and the province
is exploring options to support affected regional airports.
In response to questions about road safety, the Minister outlined ongoing audits
and enforcement actions. Twenty trucking companies and five fraudulent driver training
schools have been shut down in recently in an effort to restrict inexperienced and ill-
trained drivers from being on the road. Dreeshen also discussed interprovincial efforts
to establish Red Seal certification for trucking, looking ahead at improving industry
standards and cross-border consistency.
Highway 28, especially at critical points such as the RR224 intersection,
continues to be a significant concern for residents who regularly rely on this route.
Alberta Transportation has pledged a multi-year upgrade to the entire Edmonton–Fort
McMurray corridor, with plans that encompass intersection improvements, resurfacing,
additional climbing and passing lanes, and targeted realignments to enhance long-term
capacity and safety.
Minister Dreeshen’s remarks underscored the province’s proactive approach to
transportation challenges, balancing growth, safety, and environmental considerations
as Alberta continues to evolve.
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