October 01, 2016 – Northeast Anthony Henday Drive opened on Oct. 1, improving access and supporting economic growth in the Edmonton region and across the province.
Now that Alberta’s first ring road is complete, drivers have 80 kilometres of free-flow traffic around Edmonton, providing a new connection between the national and provincial highway networks and enhancing access for the Capital Region’s 24 municipalities.
“The completion of Anthony Henday Drive marks the achievement of a major milestone in improving transportation in the Capital Region,” said Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation. “This project will reduce congestion for Edmontonians and create greater opportunities for regional economic growth. Our continued investment in infrastructure over the next five years is a key pillar of the Alberta Jobs Plan.”
“Projects like Anthony Henday Drive help improve the quality of life for people in our city,” added Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi. “Infrastructure is more than just roads, bridges and buildings. Strong infrastructure is what allows us to build strong, inclusive and sustainable communities, while supporting long-term economic growth for the middle class.”
Northeast Anthony Henday Drive is a $1.81-billion investment, including $37 million in federal funding for the new North Saskatchewan River Bridge and $2 million from the City of Edmonton for the North Saskatchewan River Bridge pedestrian and bicycle walkway.
The five-year project saw the construction of:
•Twenty-seven kilometres of six- and eight-lane divided roadway, including 9 km of new construction and 18 km of reconstruction to existing connections between Whitemud Drive and Yellowhead Trail;
•Nine interchanges;
•Two road flyovers;
•Eight rail-crossing flyovers;
• Two twinned bridges across the North Saskatchewan River;
•And 47 bridge structures, in total.
The Northeast Anthony Henday Drive project supported more than 10,000 person years of employment in Alberta throughout its procurement and five-year construction period. It’s anticipated that more than 2,000 jobs will be supported over 30 years for the ongoing maintenance, operation and rehabilitation of Northeast Anthony Henday Drive.
With Anthony Henday Drive fully open to traffic, improved accessibility and travel time will help support Alberta’s businesses and economic development in the Capital Region.
Final touches ongoing
While Northeast Anthony Henday Drive is officially open to traffic, drivers will continue to see work being completed off the highway – on such things as landscaping, seeding and final bridge work. There should be no major impact on traffic and all lanes are expected to remain open. Speed reductions may be required at some times to maintain the safety of any workers close to the highway.
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