Cost-sharing agreement in place to twin Highway 40

In a release from the Alberta Government, government, the Municipal District of Greenview and the County of Grande Prairie have reached a cost-sharing agreement to twin Highway 40, south of Grande Prairie.

The project will include twinning 19-kilometres of the highway from Grande Prairie to south of the Norbord Wood Panel Plant and will include a second bridge across the Wapiti River. Improvements will also be made to bridge structures and intersections.

The release stated with the cost-sharing agreement, projects such as relocation of utilities and land clearing can begin as early as this summer.

“The MD of Greenview recognizes the importance of collaboration; with our municipal partners, industry stakeholders, and other levels of government,” said Dale Smith, reeve of Municipal District of Greenview. “Greenview Council is proud to support this shared funding opportunity that will improve the safety of the travelling public along this corridor that helps drive the economy throughout the region.”

The release stated traffic on this segment of highway has increased as much as 70 per cent in the last five years seeing about 10,000 vehicles traveling on it daily. The segment also sees roughly double the amount of heavy truck traffic of the provincial average.

“The County of Grande Prairie is pleased to partner with the Municipal District of Greenview and the Alberta government to fund much-needed upgrades to Highway 40,” said Leanne Beaupre, reeve of the County of Grande Prairie. “This investment recognizes the urgency of expediting work on this key transportation link to improve safety for workers in the region’s resource sectors as well as tourists travelling to and from the mountain parks and beyond. Enhancements to Highway 40 are vital to stimulating economic development, including the recently announced Tri-Municipal Industrial Partnership Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Alberta. By working together, we can inject dollars into infrastructure upgrades when they’re most needed.”

The release stated the Alberta Government does not release cost estimates on projects until a contract has been awarded but suggested a “project of this nature” could be between $100 and $120 million.