Construction contract for Phase 1 of Highway 3 twinning welcomed by lobby group

Bill Chapman of Coaldale says the announcement is the latest step in a process that began back in the 1970’s, when Lethbridge began pushing to twin the highway between their city and Coaldale.

The city of Medicine Hat spearheaded the first major study in the early 90’s that looked at the economic benefit of twinning and others have moved it forward in the intervening years.

Chapman says phase 1 of the project, between Taber and Burdett, will be a major boon for agri-foods processors like Cavendish farms and sugar beet producers.

“McCain, Lamb Weston, the sugar beet growers; all the other crops that are taking place along Highway 3 corridor will feel the impact,” says Chapman.

He says Cavendish farms is anticipating as many as 7 thousand truckloads of potatoes to their plant alone.

He also points to a pair of manufactured home builders in Bow Island that will benefit from the expansion.

In addition to agriculture, Chapman says Highway 3 from Lethbridge to Hope has been designated as a major tourism route by Destination Canada.

He says the 24 kilometers of passing lanes that were built in the first decade of this century are no longer adequate for today’s highway volumes.

Phase 1, a 46 kilometer stretch between Burdett and Taber is expected to begin construction next spring with completion in 2025.

by Brian Konrad

Construction contract for Phase 1 of Highway 3 twinning welcomed by lobby group

Our Community