Phase 1 of the North Highway Connector project began earlier this week.

This phase of the project will include tree clearing, embankment grading, and major utility installations.

“The North Highway Connector is essential for the long-term viability of development and economic growth in our region,” said Frank Colosimo, engineering services manager. “Long-term planning to ensure Red Deer remains strong, healthy and sustainable includes major residential development in the east and major industrial development on the west side of the City.”

The North Highway Connector will provide a by-pass route around the east side of the City linking Hwy. 11A to Hwy. 11, Hwy. 595 (Delburne Rd.) and the QEII. The first phase of the project will see grading and major utility relocations happen to the north of 67 St. A wildlife crossing structure will also be constructed as a part of Phase 1.

For the most part, there will be little disruption to existing roadways and traffic flows during this phase of the project. There may be increased heavy truck traffic on roadways such as the north end of Gaetz Ave., 77 St., 67 St. and Riverside Dr. 78 St. Cres., within Riverside Heavy Industrial area, will also see increased heavy truck traffic at some points during the grading operation on the west side of the river.

The project is also strategically linked to other City and regional projects, including the new trunk and storm sanitary system needed to service City residential areas east of 30 Ave. It is also linked to the South Red Deer Regional Waste Water Commission line serving the communities of Penhold, Bowden and Olds to the South of Red Deer.

“It is exciting to kick off the first phase of this project,” said Colosimo. “With secured funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Building Canada Fund and the Water for Life Fund, we are ready to get this project started.”

-Fawcett