Trudeau, Sohi announce $50M for improvements to Calgary’s Airport Trail

The so-called greatest outdoor show on Earth is underway in Calgary, making that city’s airport a busy place these days and that’s where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose to announce a $50 million federal investment to improve a stretch of road called Airport Trail.

“Countless Canadian businesses depend on their ability to move goods quickly and efficiently, within our borders and beyond,” Trudeau said in a news release. “Today’s investment is about making sure Albertans have the infrastructure they need to grow their businesses, stay competitive, and make the world their marketplace.”

Calgary’s Airport Trail is a trade corridor that provides access to and from Calgary International Airport and one that Ottawa says “connects communities and businesses in northeast Calgary.”

READ MORE: LRT extension to Calgary airport urged; city looks for public input

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The money is aimed at reducing travel times while also creating jobs that will be needed to facilitate the improvements. When complete, the government says the work will make it easier for companies that ship cargo to and from the busy airport.

The project will include:

· a new segment of Airport Trail between 36 Street N.E. and 60 Street N.E., with an intersection at Métis Trail
· construction of the first stage of interchanges along Airport Trail at 19 Street N.E. and Barlow Trail
· construction of a new southbound-to-westbound ramp at the interchange of Stoney Trail and Airport Trail

The federal government also said the project will extend Calgary’s fibre optic network.

The Alberta government has also earmarked $28 million for the project, which is expected to create 400 jobs.

Construction is expected to begin later this year and be finished by 2022.

Watch below: Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi helps announce the development of a new east-west transportation link to Calgary’s airport.

5:25 ‘It’s a big day’: New trail linking to Calgary’s airport announced

–With files from The Canadian Press