QEII and 65 Avenue Interchange

The QEII and 65th Avenue Interchange in Leduc, Alberta delivers more than 10 kilometres of new roadway and multi-use trail (MUT) infrastructure, along with two kilometres of rehabilitated roadway. Key components include a 170-metre bridge crossing the QEII, roundabouts at both ends of the corridor, multiple signalized intersections, over 90 new streetlights, underground drainage systems, and an 800-metre noise barrier wall that provides buffering for nearby residential areas.

Strategic Location and Complex Scope

The interchange is located beside the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) on the west side of the QEII. Construction required relocating the airport’s primary security line prior to starting greenfield work near the runway. The new infrastructure connects to Airport Perimeter Road at 21st Street, the QEII on- and off-ramps, Grant MacEwan Boulevard, and 65th Avenue.

On the east side of the corridor, the scope included realigning QEII off-ramps, widening and reconstructing existing roadway segments, and installing a roundabout and two traffic signal systems on 50th Street and 65th Avenue. Power lines were relocated to support new streetlighting. A new bridge was constructed adjacent to the existing 50th Street structure to carry southbound traffic, while the original bridge now serves northbound vehicles. The new structure also features a barrier-separated shared-use path and an MSE wall for embankment stability.

Earthworks and Engineering Challenges

The project required extensive earthworks across active traffic corridors and greenfield areas. Following stripping of native soils, only topsoil was suitable for reuse, resulting in the import of more than 700,000 m³ of borrow fill material meeting Alberta Transportation specifications. This material formed the base for the new roadways, MUTs, and bridge embankments. Settlement monitoring was conducted prior to paving and final grading.

Multiple Crossing Agreements were managed for high-pressure gas lines, water lines, and utilities. To protect these assets, 800 precast pipeline protection slabs were installed using specialized equipment and coordinated oversight with utility representatives. Environmental grading and drainage controls were incorporated to manage runoff throughout construction.

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental considerations included operating in an area with elevated clubroot risk, sensitive wetlands, a tributary creek, and red-tailed hawk nesting grounds. Measures included equipment cleaning protocols, wildlife sweeps, species relocation procedures, erosion and sediment control systems, turbidity monitoring, and protective measures for catch basins and wetland interfaces. All activities followed Alberta Environment requirements.

Safety and Aviation Coordination

Due to its proximity to EIA, the project required coordination with airport operations and NavCanada to secure clearance for construction equipment exceeding height restrictions—which were as low as 20 feet in some locations. These constraints influenced construction sequencing and required adjustments to typical equipment use.

The completed interchange enhances regional mobility, improves access to Edmonton International Airport, and supports long-term growth for the City of Leduc and surrounding communities.

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Transformation of bridge project as it moves through key phases: deck poured, waterproofing applied, paving completed, and finishing touches with line painting. Bringing infrastructure to life!

Video by: Ali Khalil, Project Coordinator, Graham Infrastructure Alberta