Major investment in the Peace River Bridge by the governments of Canada and Alberta

PEACE RIVER, AB, July 7, 2017 /CNW/ - Modern and efficient highways and bridges are crucial to growing our economy, encouraging trade, and creating good-paying, middle-class jobs. Investing in well-planned transportation infrastructure makes moving people and products across the country more efficient, while supporting sustained economic growth and productivity for years to come.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Debbie Jabbour, MLA for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation, and His Worship Tom Tarpey, Mayor of Peace River, announced funding that will improve the capacity and flow of traffic over the Peace River by constructing a second bridge to accommodate westbound traffic. Once completed, the existing bridge will be used solely for eastbound traffic. Funding will also go towards constructing an underslung pedestrian bridge, which will allow pedestrians to cross over the Peace River while being separated from highway traffic and be partially sheltered from the elements and highway traffic noise. The Government of Canada is providing over $74 million and the Government of Alberta is investing approximately $88 million. The project has a combined total estimated cost of over $162 million.

Highways and bridges form the backbone of the country's transportation network and support national, provincial and regional economic activity. This investment will reduce travel delays as well as increase passenger and pedestrian safety.

Quotes

"I'm thrilled to be here today to announce federal funding for the expansion of the Peace River Bridge, so that traffic can flow more smoothly and efficiently in the area. The Government of Canada is proud to invest in this project, which will better link the east and west sides of the Town, and provide a lasting positive impact on the quality of life for Peace River residents for decades to come."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"One of the first concerns I heard about after being elected was the need for a new Peace River bridge. I'm thrilled the government has made this a priority. This project will reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, access, safety, and create jobs. The new bridge will address some of the transportation challenges we face in the north, and we are very excited to see it become a reality."

Debbie Jabbour,
Peace River MLA

"In 2018 we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Peace River Bridge. As the economy of the Town and region have grown, transportation has become a critical component of the area's continued growth. We welcome the twinning of the bridge and the opportunities it represents, not only in terms of construction jobs but also its role as an essential link for the area. The new bridge will increase not only emergency access for all residents but also provide a vital transportation corridor to facilitate development in the north."

His Worship Tom Tarpey,
Mayor of Peace River

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada will contribute up to $74,395,500 for the expansion of the Peace River Bridge.
• The Government of Alberta will cover any remaining costs for the project, which has a total estimated eligible cost of $148,791,000.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation infrastructure that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• The Government of Alberta's overall $29.5-billion Capital Plan includes investments of more than $7.8 billion in critical highway and municipal infrastructure to improve safe travel on its highways, connect communities and help put Albertans back to work.

Associated links

Government of Canada's $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2016/docs/themes/infrastructure-en.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html

Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects (PTIC-NRP): http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nrp-pnr-prog-eng.html

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

For further information: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-301-0894, [e-mail]; Bob McManus, Assistant Director, Communications, Alberta Transportation, 780-427-1938, [e-mail]; Christopher Parker, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Peace River, 780-618-6454, [e-mail]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/