The federal and provincial governments will pay for the expansion of the Peace River bridge near the town of Peace River. The Government of Canada is providing $74 million while the Alberta Government is putting in $88 million.
A second bridge will be constructed next to existing one which will solely be used for westbound traffic. The existing one will be used for eastbound vehicles. There is also plans for a pedestrian walkway.
Regional Director for Alberta Transportation in the peace Ryan Konowalyk explains that they knew the federal government had the money and they made a three step plan from there.
“The first one being completed in the fall and winter of 2016. It was an old maintenance shop clean up. The second was a contaminated hydrocarbon site.”
Peace River MLA Debbie Jabbour says this is a very important piece of infrastructure for the peace and the north.
“The quarter between Peace River and the northern part of Alberta is very important economically to the region. It is the single route that goes from south to the north. It is truly the gateway to the north.”
The upgrades and construction is aimed at lessening traffic congestion in the area.