Province pushes up Henday interchange construction by a year

The province is fast-tracking an interchange project in Edmonton's west end, Alberta'stransportation minister announced Monday.

The province has asked three companies to submit proposals for the design and construction of an interchange at Anthony Henday Drive and Stony Plain Road.

Currently there are traffic lights at the intersection, and it has created lengthy delays for drivers during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

Transportation Minister Luke Ouellette said the decision to invite three pre-screened companies to bid on the project should move up the construction time by a year. The time savings will come from combining thedesign and construction of the interchange into one contract.

This means construction could start by spring 2009 with completion by fall 2011.

"When this particular project is completed, it will include seven bridges. It will be free-flowing so it was a very expensive project and we're just happy that we've finally been able to come up with the budget and the budgeting to get it done," Ouellette said.

Ouellette will not say how much money the government has set aside for the project, because he wants companies to submit competitive bids.

Planning work is underway to get rid of traffic lights at other intersections along the southwest corridor of the Henday, Ouellette said.

When completed, Anthony Henday Drive will encircle the city of Edmonton.

The road has been constructed in phases, with most of the northern section scheduled to be completed by 2011.

The province wants to have the final, northeast phase of the Henday finished by 2015.