November 9, 2011
Local Highway Projects Benefit Kootenay Drivers, Mining Industry

CRANBROOK – Projects to replace Loop Bridge on Highway 3 and to resurface Highway 43 are complete.  These projects have increased safety and improved the reliability of these important corridors, benefitting area residents, tourists, and the mining industry.

The work includes:

• $12.1M to  replace the 53-year-old Loop Bridge,  realign 1.8 km of Highway 3, construct a new elevated crossing of the Canadian Pacific railway line and construct a new intersection with Corbin Road.  
• $5.2M to resurface 30 km of Highway 43 between Sparwood to Elkford.

Why this matters:

• The old Loop Bridge was a narrow structure that was near the end of its service life. The new structure and upgraded approaches will improve safety and increase highway reliability.
• The new elevated crossing of the Canadian Pacific rail line removes the last level rail crossing of Highway 3 between Cranbrook and the Alberta border, improving safety and reducing travel times.
• The new Corbin Road intersection will provide a dedicated left turn lane, deceleration lane and acceleration lane, improving overall intersection safety for Coal Mountain mine industrial traffic.
• The repaving along Highway 43 will ensure a safe, smooth ride for mine workers, tourists and residents travelling between Sparwood and Elkford, extend the life of the highway and ensure the Province gets the most value from its infrastructure investments over the long term.
• Over $1.4 billion has been invested In the Kootenay region since 2001 to improve and maintain roads and bridges, expand transit, broaden cycling networks, expand airports and support community infrastructure improvements.

Quote:

"All of these upgrades are welcome projects in the Kootenay region. Our highways and bridges are heavily depended on by residents, industry, and tourists. These projects represent a commitment to continued and improved safety in this area of the province.”
- East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett

Learn More:

Follow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: http://tranbc.ca

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