Funding will improve capacity of Peace River Bridge

PEACE RIVER, AB – Government funding 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 more than $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.

“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, ” said 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.

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada