Highway 63 twinning on track for 2016 completion

By Amanda Richardson, Fort McMurray Today

Everything is on track and on schedule for the twinning of Highway 63, said MLA Don Scott at Friday morning’s Alberta Transportation progress update.

“By the end of this year, we will have awarded all the contracts to complete the 240 kilometres of twinning,” said Scott. “I drive the highway very often and I’m amazed by the progress that’s being made.”

Approximately 650 workers and 470 pieces of equipment will be deployed to the highway this summer to do what Scott calls “the lion’s share” of the work.

“This summer should be a tremendous time to get a lot of work done, just because the weather provides that opportunity. I think we’re going to make a lot of progress this year,” said Scott.

“This year we anticipate 135 kilometres of grading work will be completed in 2014, 133 kilometres of base and paving work will begin, and 146 kilometres of crushing work will begin in 2014. We’re moving forward at an exceptionally good rate.”

Since 2012, the Government of Alberta has spent nearly $275 million on the project. An additional $423 million has been budgeted for the 2014-15 construction season and another $268 million will be spent between 2015 and 2017.

The 240 kilometre stretch of highway between Grasslands and Fort McMurray is due to be completed in the fall of 2016, though 70% of the project should be done by fall 2015.

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