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Alberta accelerates road maintenance in Wood Buffalo

PHOTO. Alberta Transportation Minister Ric McIver, right, and MLA Tany Yao speaking with business owners, industry leaders, and public officials at a meet-and-greet event in Keyano College in September 2019. MYMCMURRAY/Phil Wood.

The province will push through dozens of road and bridge repair projects, most notably for Highway 63.

Transportation Minister Ric McIver said they would support the creation of at least 775 direct and indirect jobs in Fort McMurray and north-central Alberta.

Premier Jason Kenney first announced the infrastructure improvements on April 9, 2020.

READ MORE: Kenney announces $2 billion plan to speed up infrastructure

This new work will lead to improvements along highway bridges, pothole repairs, and other safety measures.

It’s part of accelerated capital maintenance and renewal totalling $2-billion.

McIver said recent events prompted the urgent call to help Albertans get back to work.

“Fort McMurray and north-central Alberta have been hard hit in recent years with natural disasters and the oil price collapse. These road and bridge projects will provide hundreds of jobs for Albertans, keep companies moving, and provide more value for taxpayers.”

McIver said projects throughout the area should begin over the next few months, including the following:

  • Hangingstone Bridge Replacement on Highway 63.
  • Repaving 17 kilometres of Highway 63 between Mariana Lake to Sand Tiger Lodge.

 

McIver previously announced improvements to Highway 881 between Anzac and Lac La Biche.

READ MORE: Upgrades on Highway 881 to improve safety, travel

Alberta will also provide an additional $60-million to repair potholes and critical safety initiatives.

The province said this will lead to improved driving conditions and extended lifespans for Wood Buffalo roads.

For a list of additional projects planned throughout Alberta, go to the province’s website.