Alberta Government Boosts Funding for Highway 63 Repairs Following Community Activism

📅 4 days ago

In response to community concerns over deteriorating conditions on Highway 63, Alberta's Minister of Transportation has announced a significant increase in funding for repairs, including a direct allocation of $15 million for maintenance work.

FORT MCMURRAY, ALTA. — The Alberta Minister of Transportation, Devin Dreeshen, recently announced a $15 million boost in funding for the repair of Highway 63, a key route connecting Fort McMurray to Edmonton. This funding increase follows a protest by local residents who took matters into their own hands last month, temporarily shutting down a section of the highway to fill potholes. Businessman Mohamed Tarrabin, who participated in the protest along with around 80 volunteers skilled in construction, highlighted the severity of the pothole situation on Highway 63, stating that conditions have never been worse. During the protest on June 12, they managed to fill approximately 200 potholes over a two-kilometre stretch, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) assisting with traffic control during the event. In his statement, Dreeshen acknowledged the concerns regarding the poor condition of Highway 63 and commended the advocacy efforts of local MLAs Brian Jean (Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche) and Tany Yao (Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo). He indicated that the highway maintenance contractor is now providing regular updates on planned work and completed projects along Highway 63. The provincial government is also adding over $22.4 million to the overall highway maintenance budget, which represents a nearly 60 percent increase from the previous year. Of this amount, $15 million is earmarked specifically for maintenance on Highway 63. Dreeshen emphasized that this additional funding will facilitate more extensive road work along Highway 63, particularly in the Fort McMurray area. In addition to ongoing maintenance, the government is expediting a new contract aimed at repaving 48 kilometres of Highway 63 southbound near Wandering River, as well as another contract for paving 30 kilometres along both Highways 63 and 881 within the Fort McMurray vicinity. "Our priority is to ensure Highway 63 is safe and reliable," Dreeshen stated, affirming the government's commitment to invest in road safety and support economic activity.

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