A new study highlights the economic impacts of twinning the remaining sections of Highway 3, file photo. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Sarah Jones/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Report suggests twinning Highway 3 could generate $1.5B in GDP

Dec 13, 2022 | 4:01 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Highway 3 Twinning Development Association (H3TDA) has been working towards twinning the stretch of Highway 3 in Alberta that spans Medicine Hat to southern British Columbia for almost two decades.

In November 2022, Premier Danielle Smith announced that the Alberta government would be committed to completing that goal within the next 10 years.

The first of eight phases is set to begin construction in spring 2023, as a 46-kilometre section of roadway between Taber to Burdett will be twinned first.

Since this announcement, the H3TDA is reporting that PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (PwC), has delivered an Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) on the twinning of the remaining sections of Highway 3.

The findings from this study indicate that the continuation of the twinning could potentially result in a wide range of socioeconomic benefits.

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That includes improving the supply chain and transportation efficiencies, broadening labour catchment, enhancing local tourism and improving road safety outcomes, among other things.

Initial planning capital expenses for the proposed twinning are estimated to facilitate $1.5 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) for Alberta’s economy during its construction periods and create 12,481 jobs.

Once constructed, the expected operating and maintenance spending associated with the newly twinned sections of Highway 3 are estimated to facilitate $721,000 in GDP and six jobs on an ongoing, annual basis.

Bill Chapman, president of H3TDA and councillor with the Town of Coaldale, said in a release, “Highway 3 Twinning Development Association would like to thank PricewaterhouseCoopers for their diligent analysis. The recent announcement by this government is very exciting but is not yet a ‘win.’ Prior governments have made promises that fell short, and we need to maintain accountability pressure.”

“This study clearly identifies the true value of twinning all of Highway 3, and its constructive impact on this trade route,” adds Chapman. “The government of Alberta, along with our stakeholders in agri-business, transport, recreation, and tourism, will certainly use this study to justify expansion of the Highway 3 corridor.”

According to the H3TDA, the EIA will now be distributed to the Alberta department of transportation, the federal minister of transportation, the H3TDA’s economic development partners and members, including southern Alberta MPs and MLAs.

Infrastructure Minister Nathan Neudorf said, “I know firsthand the importance of this road to southern Albertans and the safety and economic benefits twinning will bring.”

He went on, “Whether you are going east, west, north, or south, getting to your destination safely is what matters most. Highway 3 twinning has been a long time coming and I could not be happier to see this project moving ahead.”

For more information, check out the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association website.