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Highway projects benefit mining industry and area residents
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, notes a Nov. 9 provincial government press release.
A total of $17.3 million was spent on Elk Valley road infrastructure this past year, including $12.1 million 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. A further $5.2 million was spent to resurface 30 km of Highway 43 between Sparwood and Elkford.
“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 government press release explained.
“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.
“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,” said East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett.
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