Alberta announces $15 million for Highway 63 repairs and maintenance

The Alberta government has announced $15 million in additional funding for repairs and maintenance on Highway 63. According to the provincial government, the funding will be used to repair potholes and improve road conditions, including on the section of the highway that runs through Fort McMurray.

The announcement follows a June protest in which dozens of local residents filled potholes along Highway 63 to draw attention to the road's condition. The government has not said the additional funding is directly linked to the demonstration.

Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said the province is increasing its overall highway maintenance budget by more than $22.4 million. According to the minister, the increase represents nearly 60 per cent more than last year's funding, with $15 million specifically allocated to Highway 63.

The province also said it is accelerating the procurement process to repave a 48-kilometre southbound section of Highway 63 near Wandering River. In addition, a separate contract will be issued to reconstruct approximately 30 kilometres of Highway 63 and Highway 881 in the Fort McMurray area.