Twinning the Peace River bridge in Alberta has improved critical transportation connections through the community and its construction has supported more than 400 jobs.

The new three-lane bridge will ease congestion for residents and industry. Construction on the bridge began in 2017 and was completed on time and within the allocated budget.

“We want a safer and stronger northwest Alberta and this new crossing provides just that,” said Ric McIver, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation. “Twinning the Peace River bridge makes it safer and easier for Albertans to access business and services on both sides of the river. Building this bridge has created hundreds of jobs when Albertans have needed them most.”

A new bridge, part of a $162-million twinning project, will eventually accommodate westbound traffic upon completion of upgrades to the existing bridge, which will handle eastbound traffic.

“This bridge is and has been a great addition to our community. Throughout construction it has bolstered the local economy. Peace River is the gateway to northwestern Alberta and the Northwest Territories,” said Tom Tarpey, mayor of Town of Peace River.This second bridge is going to expand that economic portal. Infrastructure catalyzes development. Roads and bridges are the pipelines for Alberta’s most precious resource – its people.”

Upgrades to the existing bridge were announced as a part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan. Rehabilitation will begin early next year and is expected to be complete by the fall of 2022.

About 17,000 vehicles per day cross over the bridge. The twinning project also includes a new pedestrian crossing.

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Featured image: Transportation Minister Ric McIver and Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey on the deck of the newly opened Peace River bridge.

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