A 36 kilometre stretch of twinned highway north of Wandering River opens to motorists Monday afternoon. The opening comes eight months ahead of schedule.
In October, the government of Alberta promised to fully-twin Highway 63, from Grassland to Fort McMurray, by the fall of 2016, which is seven years faster than originally planned. It will cost $1.1 billion.
“We’re going to the capital markets and look for the best deal for Albertans to get this road built,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation.
Prior to the opening north of Wandering River, just 52 Kilometres of the highway had been divided since the original promise to twin was made in 2006. But the project has been speeding up since June when newly elected Fort McMurray MLA, Mike Allen completed a report which recommended the twinning of Highway 63 needed to be accelerated.
Allen’s report came three months after a crash on the highway killed seven people. The collision mobilized the community of Fort McMurray.
“I think we’ve been heard. I think we’ve been listened to. I think the fact we’re the economic engine of the province has been recognized,” said Theresa Wells, a Fort McMurray resident who started a petition to get the road twinned.
Following Monday’s opening of the 36 kilometre stretch, motorists are being advised there may be continued construction in the area for a few weeks as the finishing touches are completed on the new highway.
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