Update: Highway 53 Corridor Improvement Project

PONOKA -- Work continues to ramp up on the Highway 53 Corridor Improvement Project.

The major road rehabilitation project got underway in July in partnership between the Town of Ponoka and Alberta's Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors. The work involves improvements and rehabilitation of Highway 53 between Highway 2A and 38 Street, and is expected to be fully completed sometime next year.

As part their latest update, Ponoka staff say that crews have now begun electrical trenching along both sides and underneath the roadway. This comes as base work in preparation for the construction of an expanded multi-use trail along the north side of Highway 53 began on September 2, and will continue over the next few weeks. 

This comes as work in late August saw the installation of pedestrian flashers at 45 Avenue Crescent (at the crosswalk to the Stampede Campground), new light poles installed along the corridor, and concrete installation along the roadway. Crews also completed the safeguarding of existing trees in the area.

The Town of Ponoka says traffic flow along Highway 53 will be maintained throughout the project, with at least one lane of traffic open in both directions at all times. They also note that the speed limit is currently reduced to 50 km/h along the corridor. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to exercise caution around construction crews and be mindful of all posted signage and traffic safety personnel.