WANDERING RIVER, AB -- Highway 63 will be completely four-laned from Grassland to Fort Mac by 2016, Alberta Premier Alison Redford said this week.

“Our government promised quick action on Highway 63, and we’re delivering on that promise and more,” Redford said.

“I believe improving safety for travelers along Highway 63 demands a comprehensive solution - one that includes enforcement, education, accelerated twinning construction, improved emergency response as well as improving Highway 881.”

Transportation Minister Ric McIver announced the accelerated twinning timeline while opening a newly twinned 36-kilometre stretch of highway just north of Wandering River.

New infrastructure commitments include:

• $778 million for twinning the remaining sections of Highway 63 between Highway 55 and Fort McMurray;
• $158 million to construct passing/climbing lanes and safety rest areas on Highway 881 to improve safety and better accommodate oversize loads;
• $150 million to extend Highway 881 from Anzac to Highway 69 southeast of Fort McMurray to enhance safety; and,

The northbound lanes contain the new pavement with new right-hand shoulder lanes, which are built wider than standard.

This accommodates oversize loads while allowing other traffic to pass on the left.

Construction began in 2009 with tree clearing and grading, with paving completed during the spring and summer. All work was scheduled around caribou calving seasons.

This $84-million project to twin 36 km was completed approximately nine months ahead of schedule.  

For more on the project visit Highway 63.