A sod turning ceremony was held Friday morning, June 27, across from the Ponoka Stampede Grounds, for the launch of the Highway 53 rehabilitation project.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Town of Ponoka mayor and council, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Tourism and Sport Andrew Boitchenko, Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Jennifer Johnson, and Ponoka-Didsbury MP Blaine Calkins.
During the ceremony, Mayor Kevin Ferguson announced the roadway's official new name: Rodeo Drive.
"Today marks an exciting step forward for the Town of Ponoka," said Ferguson.
"On July 7, we are about to embark on an project that will rehabilitate the part of Highway 53 that stretches from Highway 2A in the west, and of course across our Battle River, to our municipal limits in the east."
"This vision is an approved $8.2 million project that will be roughly split between the town and the province," said Ferguson.
"This gives us safer and more reliable commutes for citizens ... travelling from one end of town to the other. It also gives is a more desirable gateway to our downtown," he said.
"All these improvements run past the Ponoka Stampede, and I want to say this: We feel it's the greatest rodeo on earth, and this is Ponoka and Central Alberta's biggest tourist attraction," said Ferguson.
"Since 1936, this rodeo has been a world-class event, attracting hundreds and hundreds of thousands from Alberta, Canada and around the world. This road has been the path that all those folks have travelled over the years to get to here, and that is why we feel this road deserves a better name ... Rodeo Drive."
The town has partnered with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors for the project. Construction is expected to begin in July after the Ponoka Stampede, which is currently in full swing.
"The Ponoka Stampede is the best stampede in the province of Alberta," said Dreeshen, adding he knows he'll get in trouble next week when he's in Calgary for saying that.
"I"m pleased to be here to help break ground as work is underway for the paving program along Highway 53 between Highway 2A and the eastern town limits here in Ponoka.
"Highway 53, obviously, is the lifeline for Ponoka as it runs through the community and connects with another major economic corridor in this community, Highway 2A.
"These highways are vital corridors for the movement of goods and services and people and families in and out of this region, every day," said Dreeshen.
The project 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;
• Storm water infrastructure upgrades;
• New street lighting;
• 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 way finding signage; and
• The ceremonial renaming of the highway to Rodeo Drive.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
Traffic updates will be provided on the town's website and 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.
A virtual video tour of the improvements being made to Highway 53 is available at Ponoka.ca/p/highway-53.
Find all you need to know about the Ponoka Stampede at Ponoka News.
