UPDATE - Residents of Whitehorse will benefit from safer roads along the Alaska Highway

WHITEHORSE, March 8, 2019 /CNW/ - A thriving economy needs strategic investments in transportation infrastructure to keep people and goods moving efficiently and safely. Investing in modern transportation infrastructure also helps create jobs and improve the quality of life of Northerners.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Richard Mostyn, Yukon Minister of Highways and Public Works, announced funding for the Alaska Highway safety improvement projects.

The projects will create safer, more efficient and improved mobility across the highway. One project will benefit Whitehorse and Yukon residents by extending Range Road south of its current location, creating a new intersection onto the Alaska Highway, and closing the existing intersection that meets Sumanic Drive, making access safer.

The projects will also provide pedestrian crossings and multi-use trails that will connect to the City of Whitehorse's trail network, making it safer for those traveling by foot or bicycle. These updates ensure that Yukon residents can travel safely through downtown Whitehorse and across the region for years to come. 

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $13.2 million and Yukon is contributing up to $4.4 million to this project through the Small Communities Fund.

Quotes

"These important projects will improve safety for the residents of Whitehorse and communities across Yukon who use the Alaska Highway. Improved travel and transportation of goods across the region will benefit the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents in nearby communities."

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development

"This extensive work will create safer, more fluid travel across the Alaska Highway for residents and businesses alike. The federal government has invested in this important local project to support a high quality of life in the Whitehorse region for years to come."

The Honourable Larry Bagnell, Member of Parliament for Yukon

 "Investing in transportation infrastructure is vital to support economic activity in our territory and keep our communities connected. This funding will ensure we keep traffic moving along the Alaska Highway in the safest and most efficient way possible."

The Honourable Richard Mostyn, Yukon Minister of Highways and Public Works

Quick facts

• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• $2 billion of this funding is supporting infrastructure projects that meet the unique needs of rural and northern communities like facilities to support food security, local access roads and enhanced broadband connectivity. In addition, $400 million is being delivered through the Arctic Energy Fund to advance energy security in the territories.

Associated links

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

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

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada