Highway 53 Corridor Improvements Begin this July

The Town of Ponoka has partnered with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to begin extensive improvements and rehabilitation of Highway 53 (between Highway 2A and 38 Street). Construction is expected to begin in July after the Ponoka Stampede.

Improvements along the roadway will include: 

• Pavement resurfacing and concrete repairs; 
• Intersection improvements at 45 Avenue and at 46 Street, including new signal lights at the 46 Street intersection; 
• Closure of 54 Street access at Highway 53; 
• Stormwater infrastructure upgrades; 
• New streetlighting; 
• Expansion of the Town’s multi-use trail network along Highway 53 with a new paved trail extending from Highway 2A to 46 Street (linking with existing trail system at 46 Street and at 50 Street);
• Fencing, landscaping and wayfinding signage; and
• The ceremonial renaming of the highway to Rodeo Drive. 

The project is expected to be completed in 2026. A virtual video tour of the improvements being made to Highway 53 is available by clicking here.

Gateway into Ponoka

“The Town is excited to begin these improvements to Highway 53 in partnership with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors. These are extensive upgrades that will greatly enhance the quality of life for Ponoka residents,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson, noting that improvements like the expanded multi-use trail will help make Ponoka a much more walkable community. “And as a major gateway to our downtown and to our largest tourist attraction, the Ponoka Stampede, these improvements will drive long-term economic growth for our community,” said Mayor Ferguson. 

Project Updates

Updates on the Highway 53 Corridor Improvements, including any temporary lane closures due to construction, will be provided throughout the construction season here and on the Town’s social media pages (@Town of Ponoka). Traffic updates will also be provided through Alberta 511 during construction.

Traffic flow on Highway 53 will be maintained throughout the project with at least one lane of traffic open in both directions at all times. 

The project will be jointly funded by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the Town of Ponoka.

The Highway 53 Corridor improvements align with Council’s strategic priorities of investing in Town infrastructure and building a vibrant community. The project is also based on recommendations in the Town’s Transportation Master Plan and Urban Framework Master Plan. 

If you have any questions about the project, please go to Ponoka.ca, scroll down and click on ‘File an Online Service Request.’ Fill out the online form and click submit, or you can phone the Town Office at 403-783-4431 where staff can help fill out the form for you.

For more information on Highway 53 Corridor improvements, please click here.