Photo: Shaun Penner

By Shaun Penner

Highway 40 Twinning

Allard says Highway 40 twinning project on track for 2021 start

Nov 3, 2020 | 5:30 AM

Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard was back out on the job this past weekend, following her recovery from COVID-19.

Allard, who also serves as the Minister of Municipal Affairs in Alberta, tested positive for the disease, which was announced back on October 21, after being notified as being a close contact of an infected individual the previous weekend.

Allard says she dealt with mild symptoms throughout her isolation period.

“I know that that is not the case for everybody, but I do believe it is important for people to know that the vast majority of cases of COVID in the province are recovering,” said Allard.

“The only reason I say that is because there is a lot of people that are very fearful about it, and I think we have to have a healthy respect, but I hope that my messaging about my experience can help people be not quite as fearful.”

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Local History

Oliver's Funeral Home - 109 years of Service

Sep 04, 2024

With her quarantine period over, Allard attended a meeting with Transportation Minister Ric McIver and GP-Wapiti MLA Travis Toews, who met with City of Grande Prairie officials about the transportation priorities for the area this past weekend.

Among those topics discussed was the twinning of Highway 40, as well as some ways the City and province could better collaborate on certain projects and initiatives.

The Highway 40 project, which was announced through a cost-sharing partnership between the province, the MD of Greenview and the County of Grande Prairie back in February, will see the first 19 kilometres from the southern edge of the City limits to just south of the Norbord OSB Plant. A second bridge will also be constructed, as well as a median vehicle inspection station.

Allard, not wanting to put words in McIver’s mouth, said the Minister has said that the project should get underway in 2021.

“He said, with confidence, we should see shovels moving and dirt flying next summer,” said Allard. “I don’t have any specifics other than that, but I am very grateful for our partners.

“In particular the MD of Greenview, for the way they have partnered to fund this project, and our gratitude to them to make this road safer for Albertans.”

The MD of Greenview has put forward 50 per cent of the costs associated with the project, up to $60 million, while the County is pitching in $10 million.

Allard says that though the province had hoped to have the work started by now, there are some minor details that still need some working through.

“All the preparations work is occurring as we speak,” said Allard.