text: Grande Prairie highway projects boost local economy - Grande Prairie Chamber Member Portal
  Grande Prairie highway projects boost local economy
  Two projects are moving forward to make travel around the Grande Prairie area easier and safer, while promoting economic development in the region.
  Nineteen kilometres of Highway 40 will be twinned between Grande Prairie and south of the Wapiti River area. A full interchange will also be built at the intersection of Highways 43 and 43X – the new Grande Prairie bypass – following the scheduled opening of the bypass in the summer of 2019.
  "The Grande Prairie region plays a vital part in our province's economy. Our investment in these projects will improve our highway networks, support economic growth and ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles through the region."
  "These highway routes continue to experience steady growth and are essential to the economic development of the Grande Prairie area. These projects will not only improve access to industrial and residential expansion, but will significantly improve safety for all travellers."
  Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation
  "Collectively our region has worked hard to raise these projects with the government and we appreciate that they listened to our needs. The Grande Prairie area is expected to double in population over the next 20 years and so, in addition to making roads safer, these projects will support job creation and recognize the growing contribution our area makes to the Alberta economy."
  Bill Given, mayor, City of Grande Prairie
  "These highway improvements will make our work and communities safer and more efficient, now, and for several generations into the future."
  Jordan Johnsen, vice-president, Operations and Engineering, Seven Generations Energy
  "Our region as a whole, including the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and Municipal District of Greenview, will all benefit tremendously from these projects which will allow for safer travel for residents, employees and visitors alike, and pave the way for continued exponential growth of this area, both in population and business development."
  Dan Wong, chair, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
  The population of Grande Prairie is expected to grow from 63,000 to 121,000 by 2037.
  Highway 43 is part of the National Highway System and northern section of the Canamex Trade Corridor that connects to the U.S. interstate system.
  Through Grande Prairie, Highway 43 averages 27,000 vehicle trips daily.
  Each day, more than 10,000 vehicles travel the section of Highway 40 to be twinned.
  The Highway 40 project also includes:
  A second bridge across the Wapiti River, with a pedestrian walkway.
  Intersection improvements and new traffic signals.
  Upgraded lighting to LED.
  During construction, both highway projects are expected to support more than 700 direct and indirect jobs in the region.