Alberta government acts to accelerate Highway 63 twinning

The Alberta government is issuing tenders for two new Highway 63 grading projects to kick start the accelerated twinning of the highway. Grading for the next section of twinning will take place in two zones.

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Edmonton - November 14, 2012 - The Alberta government is issuing tenders for two new Highway 63 grading projects to kick start the accelerated twinning of the highway.

“Our government has demonstrated our commitment to increased safety and accelerated construction on the Highway 63 corridor in many ways this year,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation. “These grading project tenders are two more examples of our determined and focused plan for fast-tracking Highway 63 twinning to meet the 2016 completion date.”

Grading for the next section of twinning will take place in two zones. The first extends 15 kilometres from north of Mariana Lake to north of Algar Tower and is expected to be complete by fall 2013, weather permitting. The second is a 17-kilometre stretch from north of Algar Tower to south of Horse Creek and is expected to be complete in summer 2014, weather permitting.

Work is expected to begin early in 2013 to prepare for road building and paving work. The projects include grading for a twinned highway, site preparation and earthworks at several stream crossings.

"I'm very encouraged that the Minister of Transportation is moving aggressively on additional tenders for Highway 63 twinning,” said Mike Allen, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo. “From the 36 kilometers of new twinned highway to construction of more and expanded passing and climbing lanes and the completion of the Confederation Way interchange, we have seen a lot of positive actions, and it’s only going to get better.”

Cost estimates cannot be released before the contracts are awarded. The tender documents are available via Alberta Purchasing Connection, www.purchasingconnection.ca.