In this July 2020 file photo, Premier Jason Kenney announces funding to twin a portion of Highway 3 Taber.--File PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
Premier Jason Kenney announced Thursday morning that his government will make an investment in twinning a portion of Highway 3.
Construction on the 46-kilometre section between Taber and Burdett will commence next year and take about three years to complete.
The project is expected to cost roughly $150 million and is part of the infrastructure commitment within the government’s economic recovery plan. Kenney says the project will improve safety on this busy portion of the highway, and could lead to 755 jobs over the project’s duration.
“These projects lay the foundation for the private sector to create thousands of well-paying jobs for workers while creating many spin-off benefits for Alberta,” said Kenney.
Bill Chapman, president of the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association, said he was “pleasantly surprised” at the announcement.
“We’re delighted. We’re pleased that the government has seen the vision behind twinning Highway 3,” said Chapman. “We’re very, very honoured … with this generous funding announcement.”
Chapman says the section to be twinned is the “most ready,” and for every dollar invested there will be a boost of at least $3 in economic development for southern Alberta. The impact will be felt in surrounding municipalities, the trucking industry, and the agri-food producers and processors.
Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress Medicine Hat, who has for years advocated for the twinning of Highway 3, says it is nice to see progress and recognition.
“This was the logical thing to do,” he said, noting that certain parts of the highway would be more costly to twin.
Scott Wojtowicz, plant manager for area potato company Lamb Weston, said the project will improve the safety of employees and visitors accessing that facility.
Twinning Highway 3 between Taber and Burdett will also include improvements at specific intersections, including Highway 877 at Grassy lake.
“The agri-business sector is a key part of Alberta’s economic recovery. That’s why we are investing in critical infrastructure that creates jobs now and ensures that we can support the growth of this important sector. Twinning Highway 3 makes the roads safer, more efficient and gets Albertans working when jobs are needed most,” said Ric McIver, minister Alberta Transportation.
Highway 3 is a vital east-west link, and is the major connector between Saskatchewan and British Columbia, south of the Trans-Canada Highway.
The government says the section of highway to be twinned accommodates about 3,900 vehicles each day.
The News was unable on Thursday to connect with Michaela Glasgow, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat.
