Mayor’s statement update on 2026 Provincial Budget highway safety measures

As more details have emerged from the proposed 2026 Provincial Budget, we are encouraged to hear of several key infrastructure projects for highways in and around Lethbridge. 

Further details were announced on Friday to help build, expand and maintain Alberta’s vast road and bridge network. This includes planning and engineering phases for safety upgrades and the widening of the Hwy. 3 bridge across the Oldman River. On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I am very pleased to hear this design work is moving forward. We are hopeful that funding for construction will be forthcoming in a future budget, as this bridge expansion will certainly be a benefit to our regional transportation corridor. 

We were also eager to see regional plans for public safety, including: 

• Improvements coming to the Coalhurst Hwy. 3 intersection
• Traffic signal improvements to the Hwy. 3 and Hwy. 845 intersection in Coaldale
• Passing lane improvements on Hwy. 5 between Magrath and Lethbridge  

As I mentioned in my initial statement on the proposed 2026 Provincial Budget, it will take some time to review its entire scope. This includes discussions with our Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, who will provide a verbal update to City Council on Tuesday. We look forward to working with the Provincial Government in the coming weeks and months to learn more about what this proposed budget means specifically for Lethbridge.  

As always, Lethbridge City Council will continue to advocate for the supports we need in our city to best serve our residents.   

-Mayor Blaine Hyggen