Feds set aside $582.9M in funding for Calgary ring road project
by The Canadian Press
Justin Trudeau was in Alberta late last week for the Calgary Stampede, where he announced federal funding for the major infrastructure project
CALGARY—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has fulfilled a promise made by the previous Conservative government on the Calgary ring road project.
Trudeau announced $582.9 million in federal funding for the southwest portion of the massive project late last week in Calgary.
He was joined by Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Roy Whitney.
Last summer during the federal campaign, the previous Conservative government made the same promise, announced by former cabinet minister and now current Tory leadership candidate Jason Kenney.
Trudeau said the government has completed all reviews and the project has met all requirements and conditions for funding.
The Alberta government is planning for the portion to be complete by 2021 and will mark the 90 per cent completion mark of Stoney Trail as a whole, leaving only the West Calgary portion.
Once complete, the road will include 49 bridges, three river crossings, a flyover and 31 kilometres of six and eight-lane divided roadway to reduce congestion in Calgary’s south.
It’s expected to reduce travel times and increase traffic flow for tourists visiting national parks.