Work is underway on Highway 63 – infamously referred to by some residents as the “highway of death” – with the province beginning a 10-kilometre paving project expected to be completed within two weeks.
The work marks the first visible step in a $15 million commitment announced last month to repair and maintain the 434-kilometre highway linking Fort McMurray and Edmonton.
Highway 63 is a critical transportation corridor, carrying heavy industrial traffic while serving residents across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, from oil sands workers and daily commuters to families travelling between communities.
The highway’s deteriorating condition sparked public outcry earlier this year, with residents, business owners and community members calling for action. Their concerns culminated in an organized pothole repair effort in June 2026.
A month later, the provincial government announced $15 million in funding to address ongoing safety concerns and long-standing pressure from the community.
Now, that promise is being put into action.
Some residents took to Facebook to share their excitement after experiencing what they called a frustrating past few years of driving on the dangerous road.
The infamous title, “highway of death”, which some residents bestowed upon the road in the early 2000s, was coined following several fatal crash. It has since also been referred to as the deadliest road in the province.
Construction began on Monday, August 3, 2026, and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily over the next two weeks.
Drivers are advised on traffic delays, lane closures and disruptions in both directions through Fort McMurray between Beacon Hill Drive to the North of the Confederation Way interchange.
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