August 7,
2013, Edmonton, Alta. – With construction underway on massive twin bridges over
the North Saskatchewan River, a critical link of the Anthony Henday is starting
to take shape.
August 7,
2013, Edmonton, Alta. – With construction underway on massive twin bridges over
the North Saskatchewan River, a critical link of the Anthony Henday is starting
to take shape.
The twin
bridges will stretch almost one-third of a kilometre over the North
Saskatchewan River. Three lanes of northbound traffic and four lanes of
southbound traffic will open to the public in 2016 and the design includes the
capability for future widening of up to two additional lanes in each direction
if warranted. The southbound bridge will include a pedestrian and bicycle
bridge suspended below the structure, to connect to surrounding existing and
future trail networks.
The
Government of Canada, through the P3 Canada Fund, has committed up to $36.8
million toward the construction of the North Saskatchewan River Crossing.
“Once completed, this new section will
complete the Ring Road system here in Edmonton reducing congestion and
improving flow through traffic on Highway 16 making the daily commute easier
for Edmontonians,” said Minister Rona Ambrose, regional minister for Northern
Alberta.
Alberta
Transportation and Capital City Link Group are committed to protecting the
North Saskatchewan River and river valley, and the species that depend upon
them. Protective measures include:
-
· Ability for wildlife to cross
beneath the bridges on both sides of the river.
-
· Instream construction during time
of year least disruptive to fish populations.
-
· Recognition of the need for
ongoing navigability of the river.
-
· A research project to assess the
ability of fish to move through areas under construction.
Turbidity
monitoring downstream of the construction to monitor instream construction
impact and adjust as necessary to minimize potential impacts to fish.
The
Government of Alberta signed a 34-year contract with the Capital City Link
Group to design, build, finance, and operate Anthony Henday Drive from Manning
Freeway to Whitemud Drive and Yellowhead Trail from the North Saskatchewan
River to east of Sherwood Drive.
Using
Alberta’s P3 model for highways allows Northeast Anthony Henday Drive to be
finished in 2016, three years earlier than through conventional delivery and at
a savings of $370 million for taxpayers.
Including
the northeast section, a $1.81 billion investment, which includes a total of 47
bridge structures, the Alberta government has committed more than $4 billion
toward the construction of the Edmonton Ring Road.
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