Transportation Minister Ric McIver with Finance Minister Travis Toews, MLA Tracy Allard, Grande Prairie Mayor Bill Given, Grande Prairie County Reeve Leanne Beaupre, and members of Grande Prairie city and county council.
Completion of the bypass was the final link in the three-year $48-million project that included construction of 12 kilometres of four-lane highway and a roundabout at Highway 43 and Range Road 63. This is the first roundabout in Alberta to be built on a divided highway.
“The Grande Prairie region has become increasingly busy with industry and a growing economy, and Highway 43 is an important link for families and businesses alike. This bypass will meet the demand for transportation infrastructure that helps Albertans get to work and supports the region’s economic growth.”
“Grande Prairie continues to be an economic driver for the province of Alberta and Highway 43 is an important link in that chain. This bypass is an important part of continuing to support the region’s economic growth and development.”
“Our government recognizes the significance of this project, as well as following through on investments that are important to our region. I’m glad to see this project come to completion. Enhancements to this transportation corridor improve the competitiveness of the region, which is key to increased investment and job creation.”
“The completion of Highway 43 is felt across borders. Internationally, it is a critical link for the CANAMEX Trade Corridor, connecting local industry to international trade. In northwestern Alberta, it improves traveller safety and increases travel efficiency for the transport of goods through the region. For the City of Grande Prairie, the highway opens opportunity for new growth and development in the Hughes Lake area while improving safety and reducing traffic congestion on some of the city’s busiest roads.”
“We’re extremely pleased to see this project completed. The bypass has long been a priority for the county and our regional partners. It will improve transportation links and access for the region while contributing to continued growth and enhanced safe traffic flow.”
“The Highway 43 bypass project is one that has been advocated on, and supported by the Alberta Motor Transport Association, so we are very pleased to see this day come to fruition. The bypass provides more ease and convenience of travel for commercial traffic, as well as improving safety for local residents and businesses with less congested roadways.”
“The Alberta Roadbuilders Association joins with residents of Grande Prairie to celebrate the opening of the Highway 43 bypass. Our member companies employ over 50,000 Albertans in the civil construction industry. Whether it's building pipelines or overpasses, improving our transportation infrastructure empowers Alberta’s economy - getting people, goods and services to where they need to be as soon as possible. We are proud to partner with Alberta Transportation in delivering better roads for Albertans.”
Quick facts
- Highway 43 is part of the National Highway System, providing important links to Edmonton and the British Columbia border.
- Much of this traffic consists of heavy trucks serving the nearby forestry, agriculture and oil and gas sector.
- The highway is also a key part of the CANAMEX Corridor, a system of four-lane highways connecting Alaska, Canada, the United States and Mexico.