Highway 53 Corridor Improvements

Throughout construction, regular updates on the Highway 53 Corridor Improvement Project will be posted here. You can also view drone footage here.

Traffic Notice

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 speed limit is currently reduced to 50 km/h along the corridor. 

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to exercise caution around construction and work crews, and be mindful of all road signs and traffic safety personnel.

Thank you for your patience as this important capital project is completed over the next year.

Traffic updates will also be provided through Alberta 511 during construction.

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 (following a safety assessment that identified safety concerns at that intersection); 
• Stormwater infrastructure upgrades; 
• New upgraded 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 and landscaping; and
• Wayfinding signage and the ceremonial renaming of the roadway to Rodeo Drive.

These upgrades will address deteriorating pavement conditions, reduce ongoing maintenance challenges and improve overall roadway safety. As a major gateway to our downtown and to the Town’s largest tourist attraction, the Ponoka Stampede, these improvements will drive long-term economic growth for our community.

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.

Upgrades to the 46 Street intersection on Highway 53 will be completed in Spring 2026, including milling, paving, new signal lights and street lights. 

These improvements at the 46 Street intersection will require some trenching and excavation to complete underground electrical work and utility relocates, which is why milling and paving of that intersection is scheduled for Spring 2026 rather than in 2025.

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 speed limit is currently reduced to 50 km/h along the corridor.

• Upgrades to the 46 Street intersection on Highway 53, including paving, concrete, lighting and realignment of that intersection. These improvements will require trenching and excavation to complete underground electrical work and utility relocation, which is why work is scheduled for Spring 2026 rather than in 2025;
• The trail connection to 46 Street;
• Remaining landscaping between 50 Street and 46 Street; and
• Light poles from 46 Street to 38 Street.