CHICAGO — Enbridge Inc. plans to spend Canadian $1.8 billion ($1.81 billion) to expand pipeline capacity between Edmonton and Hardisty in Alberta.

The Calgary, Alberta-based energy company said the expansion project would include a new 36-inch-diameter pipeline in addition to terminals in both cities.

The new project is expected to be in service by mid-2015, pending regulatory approval, Enbridge said last week.

The expanded pipeline is slated to run approximately 111 miles between Edmonton and Hardisty, along the same route as Enbridge’s Line 4 pipeline, which the company said should minimize its environmental impact.

Enbridge said it expects to begin construction as early as the first quarter of 2014, assuming necessary approvals are in hand.

"If approved, the Edmonton-to-Hardisty project is expected to generate tax benefits and create economic opportunities in local communities, where we will strive to use qualified local contractors and business as much as possible," Enbridge liquids pipelines president Stephen J. Wuori said in a statement.