Planning for a northeast river crossing

Early planning was underway for a potential new river crossing over the North Saskatchewan River, in the northeast part of the Edmonton region.  The need for this bridge was identified in a 2011 study prepared for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board.  The Board plans and coordinates the growth of the Edmonton region.  This future bridge would join Edmonton and Strathcona County and connect Highways 15 (Manning Drive) and 21.  It would also provide an alternate route over the river and provide better access to Highway 63 leading north.  

This project involved a partnership of four municipalities and the Province of Alberta:

Strathcona County, The City of Fort Saskatchewan, Sturgeon County, the City of Edmonton and Alberta Transportation proceeded with the first step in the planning process for this river crossing: The Northeast River Crossing Functional Planning Study. This study would identify the long-term needs of the area and recommend an approximate location for the future bridge and connecting roads.

This study was conducted because of the need to complete early strategic planning, but based on current growth in the region, the proposed bridge and its connecting roads will not be constructed for another 25 to 35 years.  Land requirements for the future bridge and connecting roads will be identified in the study recommendations.

The study ran from January 2017 to December 2018.  It involved gathering feedback from local stakeholders and the public.   

Click here to see a full size version of the study area.

Public engagement

The Northeast River Crossing Functional Planning Study involved four municipalities: City of Fort Saskatchewan, City of Edmonton, Sturgeon County and Strathcona County, along with Alberta Transportation on behalf of the province.

Public consultation and engagement was available for the residents of the four municipalities during the two-year study. Input from stakeholders, and the public was to inform the study recommendations for the region's future growth and transportation needs.  

Public meetings

Phase 2 public meetings

November 21 and 22, 2017

The public was invited to two identical drop-in public meetings for Phase 2 of the Northeast River Crossing Functional Planning Study. Feasible alignment options were presented for input.

Phase 1 public meetings

On April 19 and 20, 2017, the public was invited to attend meetings to learn about the project, its purpose and timeline, and to provide input to inform our understanding of the study area.

Further information: