Upgrades for Liard, Mackenzie highways
Four-year project will see a combined $26 million poured into Deh Cho roads
April Hudson
Northern News Services
Thursday, July 30, 2015
DEH CHO
The Mackenzie and Liard highways will both be upgraded to the tune of $14 million and $12 million, respectively, over the next four years.
Highway 1 will see significant improvements as part of the four-year Northwest Territories Highway Improvement Project. - NNSL file photo
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On July 27, the Department of Transportation announced the Northwest Territories Highway Improvement Project will be receiving up to 75 per cent funding from the federal Building Canada fund.
That funding is contingent upon projects meeting eligibility requirements and a contribution agreement being signed.
In total, the Highway Improvement Project is earmarked at $96 million. Of that, $72 million is now slated to be covered by the Building Canada fund, with the territory chipping in the additional $24 million.
The Mackenzie Highway will see upgrades between kilometres 187 and 690. Upgrades will include geometric and surface improvements at various intervals and reconstruction on deteriorating sections from kilometres 375 to 395, and 207 to 230.
The Liard Highway will be upgraded between kilometres 0 and 254. Reconstruction on the Liard is expected to span the full four years of the improvement project.
Chipsealing will take place from kilometres 0 to 20 this year. Kilometre 170 will be reconstructed and the road will be resurfaced from kilometres 111 to 130, as well as between kilometres 20 and 38.
The highway will be widened and strengthened and will also have its drainage improved and a guard rail put in place.
Dan Quevillon, the Deh Cho regional superintendent for the Department of Transportation, said the funding announcement is great.
"Highway 7 has always been difficult, but we're working hard to keep it nice with our contractors," he said.
Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche also applauded the funding announcement.
"I am very pleased with the announcement of highway infrastructure financing," he stated in an e-mail.
"It has always been a part of my plan as the MLA for Nahendeh to improve the Liard Highway, and this recent announcement is a major step in the right direction to achieving this goal."
In all, the Highway Improvement Project involves eight highways across the territory.
In the 2015-16 year, the federal government is set to contribute $23.63 million, while the territory will contribute $7.88 million to the project. In the three following years, the federal government will shell out $16.13 million per year, while the territory will chip in $5.38 million per year.
Cost breakdowns for each highway project are not available and likely will not be determined until after the projects are completed.
