Leduc receives provincial recognition for 65 Ave Interchange

LEDUC -- The City of Leduc has received provincial recognition for its contributions to the 65 Ave Interchange. 

The multi-million-dollar project was completed in the fall of last year and was funded by both the City of Leduc and provincial government. The goal of the interchange was to create more efficient connections between Leduc, the Edmonton International Airport, and key cargo hubs and local businesses in Nisku. Leduc's role in the project earned them the 2026 Minister's Award for Municipal Excellence.

"Congratulations on this achievement and recognition by your peers," writes Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "I appreciate your initiative to enhance regional connectivity by reducing congestion, improving goods movement, and supporting economic growth through strategic transportation infrastructure."

Ground was broken on the $122-million project in the fall of 2022. It includes an overpass over the QE II highway adjacent to the existing 50 Street bridge, new southbound on/off ramps from the QE II highway and 65 Avenue, and relocation and improvements to existing ramps for northbound QEII. Road improvements were also completed to enable the City of Leduc and the airport to connect their internal roadway networks.

"The 65th Avenue Interchange represents a major investment in our transportation network," said Mayor Lars Hansen. "It improves connectivity, supports future growth, and unlocks economic opportunities that will benefit our community and region for years to come. We're already seeing this translate into investment interest. Current and future businesses in the Leduc Business Park now enjoy direct, around-the-clock access to cargo operations at the Edmonton International Airport. This has created new momentum." 

In total, the interchange is expected to result in an estimated $211.1 million in annual commercial truck freight cost savings. Leduc has also been recognized by the province for the success of their cross-jurisdictional policing operation "Project Streetlight."