Fort McMurray Forum

There is still no concrete timeline for the twinning of Highway 63.

Alberta's Transportation Minister Ric McIver joined Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Mike Allen this morning in releasing the details of Allen's recommendations for improving safety and accelerating construction on the Highway.

McIver did provide an updated twinning schedule, but couldn't completely commit to a date.

"If we were to go pay as you go at $50 million a year that would take 11 years. We already know we can take at least a third off of that, that's for sure. And we're not finished yet, we are committed to working hard to shorten that time span further," said McIver.

Allen, appointed as Special Advisor on Highway 63 by Premier Alison Redford May, put forth 22 recommendations after six weeks of consultation.

Saying the public feedback generated was invaluable.

"I'd like to thank everybody who participated in that. All the citizens who took the time to share their ideas, concerns and experiences with me," said Allen.

Allen's proposals include establishing a project management team to ensure twinning is delivered on time and the public is kept up-to-date on the progress.

Allen also wants additional passing lanes, safety rest areas and pullouts built. While also improving highway maintenance.

Enforcement was on of three key areas Allen explored. For that he suggests establishing a dedicated police presence for both highways 63 and 881.

And allowing authorities the power to seize vehicles caught travelling at more than 50 km/h hour over the speed limit.

What the report did not contain was a recommendation to install a toll on highway 63 to help cover the estimated $1 billion for twinning.

You can read Allen's full report here.