December 22, 2015 – Government officials gathered to mark the official completion of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (QEII) and 41 Avenue Southwest Intermodal Access project in Edmonton.
The project involved the construction of a new interchange on the QEII Highway and 41 Avenue SW, including a grade separation for the new Canadian Pacific intermodal facility, realignment of QEII Highway from south of 41 Avenue SW to Ellerslie Road, a bridge crossing Blackmud Creek, and realignment and upgrading of 41 Avenue SW in the vicinity of the project.
The $205-million project was completed on time and on budget. The Government of Canada contributed up to $75 million through the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund. The Province of Alberta invested $57.5 million, and the City of Edmonton provided $72.5 million.
“The 41st Ave SW interchange will encourage greater investment in the Capital Region, driving economic growth and diversification,” says Alberta minister of transportation and infrastructure Brian Mason. “Not only will it allow development of the intermodal CP Rail terminal, but facilitate transfer of goods to trucks and to the Port Alberta Foreign Trade Zone at Edmonton International Airport. We are pleased to have worked in collaboration with our federal and municipal partners to deliver this important infrastructure project.”
The QEII is an important north-south provincial highway on the National Highway System that is used not only for commuter trips, but also for the transportation of commercial goods between regions. The interchange will improve connections between different modes of transportation, improve rail and road traffic flows, and facilitate economic development and international trade with Asia-Pacific countries.
“As the Edmonton Metropolitan Region grows, the ability to move people and goods efficiently around the region is critical to our economic success and a continued high quality of life,” says Don Iveson, Mayor of the City of Edmonton. “The QEII/41 Avenue SW interchange will improve safety, connectivity and livability for area residents and businesses.”
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