Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith has issued a new mandate letter that outlines ambitious plans for several multi-year infrastructure projects. Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen discussed the details of the mandate on Tuesday, emphasizing the extensive planning involved in the Passenger Rail Master Plan. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity between Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding communities through commuter rail services.

Dreeshen described the mandate as "pretty ambitious" and expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead over the next two years. He highlighted the importance of not only large infrastructure projects but also rural infrastructure improvements, including water, road, and bridge enhancements.

A significant aspect of the mandate is a $700 million investment aimed at upgrading major highways, particularly Deerfoot Trail. Dreeshen noted that additional lanes are being added to the northern section of Deerfoot, closer to the airport, with the central part expected to be completed later this year. The larger southern section is projected to finish by the end of next year. He stated, "That’s going to have a huge benefit to Calgarians and people commuting through the city, eliminating 20 percent of commute times."

The minister also mentioned ongoing collaborations with Calgary and Edmonton on major light rail transit (LRT) projects. These include the Blue Line extension, which will connect to the Calgary International Airport, and the long-awaited Green Line, which has faced delays for nearly a decade. Dreeshen stressed the need for complementary transportation infrastructure, stating, "Getting the construction dollars to start and complete these projects on time and on budget is going to be the next phase."

In addition to these projects, the province plans to maintain strong relationships with highway maintenance contractors across Alberta's 25 regions. Dreeshen emphasized the importance of ensuring that economic corridors are well-maintained throughout the year. He remarked, "To make sure we have a great relationship with those contract providers, and the men and women that go out and do that important work, is very important."

Several paving projects are also in progress, including the twinning of Highway 3 and improvements to Highway 686, which will connect Fort McMurray to Grande Prairie in northern Alberta. Dreeshen noted, "There are so many different infrastructure projects that we are working on to ensure our economic corridors can support anticipated growth and allow families to get home safely."

Earlier this year, Dreeshen expressed concerns to Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek regarding bike lanes that may impede traffic flow. He stated that if bike lanes are constructed in a way that reduces driving lanes, the province would intervene. He said, "We’re spending $700 million to add more driving lanes to improve people’s commutes, and if we have municipalities that are taking away roads for vehicles, that’s something we have to make sure we’re better aligned on."

Dreeshen believes the timing of the premier’s mandate letter is crucial, as it marks the halfway point of their term in government. He stated, "This is important for all ministers to prioritize the work expected of them in the next two years. Albertans will be able to judge this government on what they said, what they were going to do, and what they delivered to make life better for Albertans."