3 minute read
Twinning Highway 3 Project moves forward
Premier Danielle Smith; Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Nathan Neudorf; Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen; and MLA for Taber-Warner Grant Hunter, stand outside of Delta Irrigation in Medicine Hat as Alberta’s government commits to twin Highway 3.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GOVERMENT OF ALBERTA.
Approximately 750 jobs will be created by the first phase of work between Taber to Burdett BY LISA KOPOCHINSKI
Plans are moving forward on the twinning of Highway 3 from Taber to Burdett, more than two years after the project was first announced by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.
When Kenney announced this project in 2020, he told local media that the 46-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 from Taber to Burdett will be twinned but would not reach Medicine Hat.
“The twinning will make the Crowsnest safer for the nearly 4,000 people who drive this section every day, will boost the efficiency of transportation in the region contributing to longterm growth here in southern Alberta,” he said. “This is partly about strengthening the ability of the huge agribusiness sector in this region to move its ever-expanding volumes of raw and processed food products to national and international markets.”
In November, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that a request for proposals had been issued to three bidders, with the expectation that construction will begin in early 2023.
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors for the Government of Alberta, says twinning Highway 3 will make travel safer, quicker, and easier for everyone across southern Alberta.
“Currently, shipping what we produce within our province
“Our government is focused on driving even more job creation and diversification through projects like this one.” —Minister Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, announces the Government of Alberta’s commitment to twin Highway 3.
has been a big problem due to our province’s supply-chain connectivity. This expansion of Highway 3 will ease supply-chain stresses for farmers and businesses here to get their products to buyers—whether they live in Alberta or anywhere in the world.”
This project is expected to take two years to complete largely because highway building is complex.
“We have many stages to go through before we get shovels into the ground to begin construction, such as detailed planning, design, engineering and contract,” says Dreeshen.
As for the cost of the project, he notes, “Out of respect to taxpayers, we cannot talk about the final cost of the project as we are seeking bids through a competitive RFP process.”
Job creation
This project is expected to create many jobs. For example, there will be approximately 750 direct and indirect jobs created by the first phase of the Highway 3 project that spans between Taber to Burdett.
There will also be more jobs created from the other phases of the twinning— including construction, design, engineering, and supply—in addition to supporting material and manufacturing positions.
“Our government is focused on driving even more job creation and diversification through projects like this one,” says Minister Nathan Neudorf. “As MLA for Lethbridge-East, I know firsthand how long Southern Albertans have waited for this highway twinning.”
Neudorf adds that, ultimately, this project is critical in terms of both economic opportunity and ensuring public safety.
“Not only is it creating significant jobs during construction and more opportunities for the growing agri-business sector in this part of the province, but it’s also making the route safer for the many trucks and vehicles that use it currently and creating space for more in the future as we continue to diversify our economy.” n
Building our Future. Together.
Aggregate | Asphalt | Ready Mix
BUILDING TOGETHER OUR FUTURE EMPLOYEES . CUSTOMERS . COMMUNITIES .
Today, along with our employees, customers and communities, we are building a healthy, shared future. And as always, BURNCO continues an unwavering commitment to safety with a solid focus on teamwork. Delivering quality, service and steady, dependable growth for our shared future.
