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By Josh Hall, rdnewsNOW

Province moves to next step of developing 18 new rest areas

Aug 11, 2022 | 6:40 AM

RED DEER, AB – The Alberta Government is seeking proposals for the construction of commercial safety rest areas.

This follows two years of gathering feedback, the province says, from municipalities and the trucking industry.

“Alberta’s highways connect businesses and travellers with trade and leisure opportunities. Developing new rest areas will enhance convenience and safety for the businesses and tourists who travel Alberta’s highways,” says Prasad Panda, Minister of Transportation.

These facilities, once built, will allow people to fill up their vehicles, eat, rest and stretch legs.

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

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“Speaking as a female driver, an ideal rest stop is safe and well lit,” says Shannon Holicza, In-Cab instructor, Bison Transport. “I am delighted that the Alberta Government has launched an initiative to improve rest areas. Drivers are typically behind the wheel for up to 13 hours daily. Having a safe, clean place to refresh can make all the difference.”

The province says costs associated with these government-owned developments will be paid by the private sector with recovery through business revenue.

There are 18 identified sites for the enhanced rest areas:

Hwy 1:14 Gleichen West Rest Room
Hwy 1:14 Gleichen East Rest Room
Hwy 1:16 Ranchland Teepee Rest Area
Hwy 1:16 Kininvie Rest Area
Hwy 2:18 Dickson-Stevenson Stopping House
Hwy 2:26 Wolf Creek (under Construction)
Hwy 4:04 Warner North Rest Stop
Hwy 4:04 Warner South Rest Stop
Hwy 16:02 Folding Mountain West Rest Stop
Hwy 16:04 Medicine Lodge West
Hwy 16:04 Medicine Lodge East
Hwy 16:22 Ross Creek West Rest Room
Hwy 16:22 Ross Creek East Rest Room
Hwy 63:04 May Tower South Rest Room
Hwy 63:04 May Tower North Rest Room
Hwy 63:06 Crow Creek Rest Room
Hwy 63:06 Mariana Lake Rest Room
Hwy 63:08 Algar Tower North Rest Room

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