Graham is pleased to report significant progress on the CDN $108M QEII & 65 Avenue Interchange project in Leduc, Alberta, just south of Edmonton International Airport. This project includes approximately 10 kilometers of rehabilitated and newly built roads and a Multi-Use Trail, along with a new flyover bridge over the QEII, improving access to the airport from Leduc.
Milestones
Key milestones have been achieved since the project began. Between June and October 2023, the reconstruction of road structures on the Leduc side, including seven new traffic signals, was completed. The bridge substructure, consisting of two abutments and two piers, was finished by January 2023. Bridge embankment fills, including settlement, started in June 2023 and will continue until April 2024. Girder erection and bridge deck formwork began in March and April 2024, respectively, and are ongoing. Subgrade fill placement has been ongoing since May 2023.
Additionally, an 800-meter noise barrier wall was installed from July to November 2023. Approximately 8 kilometers of road are scheduled for paving in 2024. The project also includes realigning the airport’s primary security fence and constructing a new road inside the restricted area, along with completing runway lighting modifications.
Safety has been paramount, with 130,000 man-hours completed without any lost-time injuries. Notable construction milestones include the completion of 370,000m3 of subgrade fill and the full reopening of the City of Leduc to traffic before the 2023 Winter Shut Down. Temporary works and designs, such as traffic signals and lane closures, have been successfully integrated to support construction. All restricted area construction at Edmonton Airport was finished in 2023, and engineering approval was obtained for bridge deck formwork before the completion of girder erection.
Unique Project Details
The project includes several unique challenges. The roadworks scope involves four locations where new roads will connect to the QEII Highway. Construction activities at several sites must navigate high-pressure gas line and water line crossings, which require pipeline protection slabs or alternative measures through crossing agreements. Additionally, due to proximity to the airport, height restrictions mandate that all work remain within an ‘Obstacle Limitation Surface,’ which varies depending on the distance from the runway. Upon completion, traffic on the existing bridge will run in the opposite direction.
Graham is committed to enhancing connectivity and access while maintaining the highest standards of safety and engineering excellence.
