Oct. 19,
2012, Wandering River, AB, /CNW/ – The upcoming opening of 36 kilometres of new
four-lane divided highway on Highway 63 north of Wandering River gives
motorists more free-flow travel and safe passing opportunities.
Oct. 19,
2012, Wandering River, AB, /CNW/ – The upcoming opening of 36 kilometres of new
four-lane divided highway on Highway 63 north of Wandering River gives
motorists more free-flow travel and safe passing opportunities.
Alberta
Transportation Minister Ric McIver and the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of
State (Democratic Reform) and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Sherwood Park
were joined by numerous stakeholders on a preview tour of the new section of
blacktop, strategically located at the half-way point between Edmonton and Fort
McMurray.
"Our
government is proud to have invested in this important job-creating initiative
to upgrade Highway 63," said Minister Uppal. "This project will
contribute to the sustained growth and long-term economic development of the
Wood Buffalo region, and that is essential to the economic future of Alberta
and Canada as a whole. These improvements will also enhance safety, reduce
congestion and cut travel times on this heavily-used corridor."
"In
keeping with Premier Redford's commitment to this region and safety on this
highway, we worked hard to get this section of twinning completed ahead of
schedule so all travellers could use it this winter," said Minister
McIver. "I am happy to say our crews have been out all summer working on
the twinning as well as clearing, grading and preparing new passing lanes on
other sections of the highway. All the while, we continue to do everything we
can to make the road even safer through efforts such as new signage, awareness
and increased enforcement."
The
northbound lanes contain the new pavement with new right-hand shoulder lanes
that are built wider than standard. This accommodates oversize loads while
allowing other traffic to pass on the left. Construction began in 2009 with
tree clearing and grading, with paving completed during the spring and summer.
All work was scheduled around caribou calving seasons.
This
$84-million project to twin 36 kilometres was completed approximately nine
months ahead of schedule. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $150
million through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund toward the estimated
100-kilometre stretch of twinning from the junction of Highway 55 to south of
House River. The Government of Alberta is providing the $171-million
balance.
Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca/4942.htm
for more information on Highway 63.
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