The province has opened two new ramps at a notoriously dangerous highway intersection near White City in an effort to curb collisions in the area.
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris announced the opening of the exit and entrance ramps at the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 48 on Friday.
McMorris says while the $2.5 million investment will increase safety at the intersection, there’s still more work to be done to improve the Trans-Canada Highway corridor.
“This is the first step to increase the safety along this corridor, which we know is increasing in traffic,” McMorris said.
“We’re still looking at other options that we can do up and down this stretch of highway to ensure the safety of drivers.”
White City Mayor Bruce Evans says he hopes highway interchanges will eventually be built near the community, as well as near the neighbouring towns of Balgonie and Pilot Butte.
“There are real examples of kids from our community who have lost their lives trying to get on and off this highway,” Evans said. “The best solution, for sure, is interchanges.”
Meanwhile, groundwork has begun on an exit ramp at Highway 1 West and Highway 46 near Balgonie. The $1.4 million project is expected to be completed by late fall.
