5314 Community Events Twinning will reduce the chances of a head-on collision for the nearly 10,000 commuter and commercial vehicles that travel Highway 19 each day The 3.5-kilometre twinning project will improve the movement of goods to major highways, rail services and the Edmonton International Airport while creating approximately 400 jobs when they’re needed most. The federal government is providing $27.7 million to Phase 2 of the Highway 19 twinning project. “Every Albertan should be able to get home safely every day. Twinning Highway 19 improves safety for both commercial and commuter travellers and makes it more efficient to get Alberta’s goods to market. By breaking ground on the western phase, we’re one step closer to a fully twinned Highway 19.” Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation and Municipal Affairs “The Government of Canada recognizes the strategic importance of this highway south of Edmonton. It is a key road that connects several communities, and also leads to the Edmonton International Airport. This is why we are proud to contribute $27.7 million to improve its safety and efficiency.” Larry Bagnell, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities “Highway 19 is a critical piece of infrastructure for the Drayton Valley-Devon constituency. The twinning of Highway 19 will address the safety concerns and traffic volume issues that have been evident for many years on this very busy highway. As one of the key arteries for the transportation of goods, it will also play an important part in helping to grow and diversify the regional economy.” Mark Smith, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon “We have been advocating for the twinning of Highway 19 for years here in Devon and are thrilled to finally be able to share that the west phase of the project will begin construction in 2021. The safety of our residents is and will always be our top concern and this project is a great next step towards protecting the lives of those who use Highway 19 to commute on a regular basis.” Ray Ralph, Mayor, Town of Devon Phase 1 of twinning Highway 19, connecting the QEII Highway and Range Road 253, was completed in September 2019. Phase 2 will twin the 3.5-kilometre section east of Highway 60 to Range Road 261 and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2022. Phase 3, currently in the detailed design phase, will eventually twin the remaining section of Highway 19, between Range Road 261 and Range Road 253. In the past five years, there have been 223 collisions on Highway 19, which resulted in two fatalities, 81 injuries and 166 serious property damage collisions. Quick facts The west phase of the project will include 3.5 kilometres of twinning of Highway 19, grade widening on Highway 60 and multiple intersection improvements. Total estimated project cost of this phase: $79 million Government of Alberta – $48.9 million Government of Canada – $27.7 million Town of Devon – $2.2 million About 10,000 vehicles travel on Highway 19 each day. Twinning of Highway 19, between the QEII and Highway 60, has three phases: Phase 1 (East section) – Twinning between the QEII and Range Road 253 Completed in September 2019. Phase 2 (West section) – Construction begins this spring on twinning 3.5 kilometres, east of Highway 60 Phase 3 (Middle section) – Twinning between Range Road 261 and Range Road 253 Planning for twinning between Range Road 253 and Range Road 261 was completed in March 2018. Detailed design, utility relocation, land acquisition and environmental permitting activities are proceeding. Media inquiries McKenzie Kibler 780-203-1487 Press Secretary, Transportation Share Print More links Live Stream of Announcement Click here for the Live Stream of the HWY 19 Twinning Announcement