The president of the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association says the awarding of a contract for construction is a big step forward. (File photo: Pattison Media)

By Brian Konrad, CHAT News Today

Construction contract for first phase of Highway 3 twinning welcomed by lobby group

Nov 21, 2023 | 3:15 PM

COALDALE, AB — When it comes to the twinning of Highway 3, many have adopted an attitude of “we will believe it when we see it”.

The president of the Highway 3 Twinning Development Association says the awarding of a contract for construction is a big step towards “seeing it”.

Bill Chapman of Coaldale said the announcement is the latest step in a process that began back in the 1970s, when Lethbridge began pushing to twin the highway between the city and Coaldale.

The City of Medicine Hat spearheaded the first major study in the early 1990s that looked at the economic benefit of twinning and others have moved it forward in the intervening years.

READ MORE: Twinning of Highway 3 moving ahead

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Chapman said phase one of the project, between Taber and Burdett, will be a major boon for agri-food processors like Cavendish Farms and sugar beet producers.

He stated, “McCain, Lamb Weston, the sugar beet growers; all the other crops that are taking place along Highway 3 corridor will feel the impact.”

He added that Cavendish farms is anticipating as many as 7,000 truckloads of potatoes to their plant alone. Chapman also points to a pair of manufactured home builders in Bow Island that will benefit from the expansion. In addition to agriculture, Chapman said Highway 3 from Lethbridge to Hope has been designated as a major tourism route by Destination Canada.

He said the 24 kilometres of passing lanes that were built in the first decade of this century are no longer adequate for today’s highway volumes.

Phase one, a 46-kilometre stretch between Burdett and Taber, is expected to begin construction next spring, with completion anticipated in 2025.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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