Building Alberta’s economic corridor network

Officials say the total capital investment is $2 billion for planning, design and construction of major highway and bridge projects. This work is said to focus on improving traffic flow and supporting investments in the province’s major trade corridors.

Examples of projects across the province that are receiving funding include the Calgary and Edmonton ring roads, Highway 3 twinning, Highway 11 twinning, and replacing the Highway 2 and Highway 556 interchange at Balzac. According to government officials, this capital investment funding also includes $75.5 million over three years for 23 engineering or planning projects to address known future needs.

“Budget 2023 is investing in Alberta drivers through improvements to Highway 60 through Acheson,” says Shane Getson, parliamentary secretary for Economic Corridors and MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. “These improvements will help families save time on their commute while improving the efficient movement of goods across the province. Budget 2023 also responds to safety concerns from the community with a new intersection at Highway 16A and Range Road 20 in Parkland County.”

“The new intersection will not only help area residents get to and from home safely but will also improve traffic flow along this major economic corridor.” adds Getson.

“Highway 63, north of Fort McMurray, is a critical link in northern Alberta for oversize and overweight vehicles transporting goods for the energy sector.,” acknowledges Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary for Rural Health and MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. “Twinning this highway will improve efficiency and safety for both commercial drivers and commuters. It also enables oilsands workers to more easily commute from Fort McMurray, which we know provides a healthier lifestyle for them and their families as opposed to flying from out of province and living in a camp.”

“The workers who decide to make this move will see the benefits of living in such an amazing province like Alberta,” says Yao.

“Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association is pleased that the 55-year-old Vinca Bridge replacement is included in the Government of Alberta’s 2023 budget,” states Mark Plamondon, executive director, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association. “As a vital component of Alberta’s high-load corridor and a strategic connector in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, the bridge services a thriving industrial zone with over $45 billion in total capital investment and billions more expected in the coming years. Replacing Vinca Bridge will shorten travel times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the competitiveness of both the Industrial Heartland and the manufacturing supply chain that contributes to its success.”

“We have been advocating hard for twinning and rail grade separation for Highway 60, and we are pleased to see this commitment from the Government of Alberta,” shares Allan Gamble, mayor, Parkland County. “Acheson is not only the beating, industrial heart of Parkland County, it is one of the largest industrial areas in Western Canada. Completing this work in a timely matter will improve access and movement along Highway 60 and allow for further development in Acheson, which will contribute to economic growth and job creation throughout Parkland County and the Edmonton region.”

“Representing hundreds of businesses in the Acheson area, the Acheson Business Association is thrilled with and would like to thank the Government of Alberta for this latest announcement for the twinning and rail grade separation for Highway 60,” notes Colin Tooth, member and past chair, Acheson Business Association board of directors. “Highway 60 is an important connector of arterial highways, allowing products to move all directions through the metro Edmonton area, and the twinning and overpass will create a safer route for employees, travellers and business owners who are passing through this stretch of road every day. This will also enable the region to continue to attract more investors and businesses by reducing delays and eliminating congestion along this major trade corridor.”

Government officials say Budget 2023 also includes $1.7 billion over three years for capital maintenance and renewal, which extends the life of the province’s existing road and bridge network and helps industry create and maintain jobs. These investments are expected to allow the province to maintain existing roads and bridges to support safe and efficient travel to benefit Albertans and the economy.

According to the province, Transportation and Economic Corridors will also be providing $3.9 billion for capital grants to municipalities over the next three years. This includes maintaining the funding commitment to Calgary and Edmonton for their LRT projects and continuing to provide funding for the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program to help municipalities improve critical local transportation infrastructure. Ongoing investments in water and wastewater infrastructure programs will also ensure all Albertans have reliable access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater services, add provincial officials.

Additionally, Budget 2023 is expected to provide nearly $400 million to support building and repairing water management infrastructure that provides irrigation for the agriculture sector and flood mitigation for Alberta communities such as the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Building Alberta’s economic corridor network

What's Trending