The Government of Alberta, 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 involves twinning 19 kilometres of Highway 40, from Grande Prairie to just south of the Norbord Wood Panel Plant, and will include a second bridge across the Wapiti River, as well as numerous improvements to bridge structures and intersections.

“The MD of Greenview and County of Grande Prairie’s agreement to cost-share means that Highway 40 moves off the unfunded project list and into the capital plan, accelerating construction to start this year,” said Ric McIver, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation.

Traffic on this segment of Highway 40 has increased by approximately 70 per cent over the last five years. This segment of Highway 40 sees double the heavy truck traffic (about 30 per cent) compared to the provincial average (about 15 per cent).

The Highway 40 twinning project will include:

  • 19 kilometres of highway twinning;
  • a second bridge across the Wapiti River (with pedestrian walkway);
  • numerous bridge structure and intersection improvements;
  • upgrades of existing lighting to LED; and
  • a median vehicle inspection station to aide in safety oversight of the commercial trucking industry.

“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 the 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.”

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The Government of Alberta does not release cost estimates on projects until a contract has been awarded, but a project of this nature would typically cost between $100 and $120 million.

The cost-sharing agreement means construction related activities, such as relocation of utilities and land clearing, can now begin as early as summer 2020.

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