FORT MCMURRAY, AB — Highway 63 is now open to traffic passing through, allowing better access to Fort McMurray’s adjacent residential areas, according to Transport Canada.

The interchange improvement is part of a series of infrastructure improvements for the region, including continued construction efforts on the Thickwood Boulevard interchange.

“Our government’s commitment to this growing economic region has meant constant improvements to safety all along Highway 63. This important interchange is another positive change in the landscape,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation. “In the last year alone, traffic has opened up on the Thickwood Boulevard Interchange and the impressive Athabasca Bridge.”

Continued work on the Confederation Way and Thickwood interchanges involves widening Highway 63 to six lanes between the two interchanges, building service roads, completing ramps and tie-ins and constructing retaining walls.

Transport Canada said the $180 million project is being jointly funded by federal and provincial governments, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $40 million through the Building Canada Fund and the
province contributing the balance.

“This investment will help keep Canadians safe on Highway 63, while supporting long-term growth and boosting the productivity of our economy,” said Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Athabasca.

Temporary routes will be in place over the winter on both interchanges to accommodate ongoing roadwork, with construction activities in the area carrying into next year.

Highway 63 information and construction updates are available via Twitter through @ABTransComm or #safe63 as well as on the Alberta Transportation website.