The Government of Alberta announced an $8 million investment for the twinning of Highway 19 to improve safety and support the transportation of heavy industrial goods to northwest Alberta.
Highway 19 is a key section of the high load/overweight corridor supporting the movement of industrial goods into and out of the Nisku Business Park. Improving this section of the highway will support the movement of heavy industrial goods to northwest Alberta, which plays an important role in keeping the province’s economy strong.
“Highway 19 is a vital link for the movement of goods and services, connecting the QEII to Highway 60. This work will help build this important economic corridor and improve the movement of goods to major highways, rail services and the Edmonton International Airport,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
The funding will support the detailed design, utility relocation, land acquisition and environmental permitting of Highway 19 between Range Road 253 and Range Road 261 that is needed before construction can begin.
“Twinning this last section of Highway 19 is critical to support the increased movement of heavy industrial goods to northwest Alberta and to other markets. This investment will help boost economic growth and development in the region and substantially improve the safety of those who use the highway on a daily basis,” said Mark Smith, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon.
The twinning of Highway 19, between the QEII Highway and Highway 60, has three phases:
- Phase 1 (east section) – Twinning between the QEII Highway and Range Road 253. Completed in September 2019.
- Phase 2 (west section) – Construction continues east of Highway 60. Expected completion is this summer, weather permitting.
- Phase 3 (middle section) – twinning between Range Road 253 and Range Road 261. Detailed design phase.
“The safety of our residents is always our top concern when we discuss Highway 19, and it is great to see planning for this final phase in the province’s 2023 budget. With the upcoming connection from Highway 19 to Michigan Street, this also provides our town and the province with a great economic opportunity as we continue working to attract new investment and promote growth in our community,” said Jeff Craddock, mayor, Town of Devon.
New signals at Highway 19 and Highway 60 will improve safety for turning vehicles by creating breaks in traffic, reducing turn wait times by about 15 minutes during peak times.
The total estimated cost of Phase 2 is $79 million:
- Government of Alberta – $48.9 million
- Government of Canada – $27.7 million
- Town of Devon – $2.2 million
Featured image: (Government of Alberta)
