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Job-creating Highway 60 improvements

Alberta’s government will twin a four-kilometre section of Highway 60 between highways 16 and 16A in Acheson

November 6, 2020  By Rock to Road


The project also includes building an overpass at the CN rail tracks and modifying the interchange over Highway 16A. Together, the Alberta government says these improvements will improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and create more than 470 direct and indirect jobs as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

“Highway 60 is an increasingly important route that connects the expanding Acheson industrial area to major transportation networks. Twinning this road will improve safety, create jobs when they’re needed most, and make it easier to move our goods to market along this critical trade corridor,” says Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation.

Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, says the improvements will ensure growth and job creation.

“The Acheson industrial area has been noted internationally as a prime place to invest in agriculture, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, but requires the infrastructure necessary to support that growth. Improvements to Highway 60, most notably twinning the section between Highway 16 and 16A, as well as the overpass, will ensure continued growth and job creation in Parkland County,” he said.

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The project is crucial given the frequency of heavy and high load movements required to support business that supply the resource sector. The rail overpass will separate Highway 60 from the CN tracks so that northbound and southbound traffic will not need to cross railway tracks or be delayed by passing trains.

“This announcement is important not only for the businesses in the Acheson Industrial Park, but also for many companies who rely on this important transport and trade corridor on a daily basis. The efficient movement of goods is essential to ensure businesses are competitive and, through this investment, will ensure we keep the regional and provincial economies growing.

“We are thrilled and encouraged to see the government support the economic growth in the region and addressing public safety by investing in the construction of an overpass on Highway 60 over the CN rail and the twinning of Highway 60,” says Rod Shaigec, mayor, Parkland County.

Pre-construction activities, such as utility relocation, could begin in 2021. Construction is expected to take up to three years to complete.

“The businesses in Acheson play a vital role in our community by producing jobs, enriching local culture, and providing goods and services. The twinning of Highway 60 means a safer route for employees, travellers, and business owners who are passing through this stretch of road every day. This project will enable the region to attract more investors and businesses by reducing delays and eliminating congestion along this major trade corridor,” says Colin Tooth, director, Acheson Business Association.

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

Quick facts:

  • A new northbound bridge will be constructed at Highway 16A and the existing Highway 16A bridge will be modified to become the southbound lanes.
  • Highway 60 is also a new component of the high load corridor that supports the movement of oversize and overweight vehicles and connects them to the provincial highway network.
  • Daily traffic volume is about 15,000 vehicles per day and truck traffic makes up 25 per cent of that volume.
  • There are upwards of 50 train crossings per day on the CN mainline.
  • Budget 2020 allocates $4 million of the estimated $96 million total cost of the project.


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