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Alberta Government moves ahead with plan to develop new highway rest areas

Construction is scheduled to start on the new stops in 2024
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The Government of Alberta is hoping to add more highway rest stops in the next decade, with the plan to start construction on new areas by 2024. (Photo from Red Deer County)

The Government of Alberta is one step closer to adding more highway rest stops.

In a release Tuesday, the province said they are moving into the request for proposals from parties interested in developing a government-owned highway safety rest area. This step follows two years of feedback from municipalities and the trucking industry.

“Alberta’s highways connect businesses and travellers with trade and leisure opportunities,” said Prasad Panda, Minister of Transportation.

“Developing new rest areas will enhance convenience and safety for the businesses and tourists who travel Alberta’s highways.”

Groups have until December to submit a proposal, with contracts expected to be awarded in late 2023 and construction starting in 2024.

“Alberta’s transportation sector has long advocated for clean, safe and well-equipped amenities at highway rest stops; they are essential to both our professional commercial truck drivers and Albertans,” said Jude Groves, board chair, Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).

“We commend the Government of Alberta for its ongoing support and efforts to establish a safer and professional working environment for our transportation industry and all those on Alberta highways.”

After Alberta Transportation evaluates the proposals, it will select the highest scoring one and negotiate the scope for each of the selected sites.

Sites currently identified for development and any future sites will only be developed following consultation and input from local stakeholders.

According to the release, costs associated with commercial developments will be paid by the private sector and recovered through business revenue.