The Government of Alberta and Brazeau County are partnering to improve Highway 621 for vehicles carrying oversized and overweight loads.
The highway is reportedly part of the county’s western economic corridor and the only route in the region that accommodates over-dimensional traffic to Whitecourt, Grande Prairie and Peace River. As such, it’s a critical link for resource industries, agriculture and emerging sectors like hemp and geothermal.
“Upgrading Highway 621 is about more than just paving a road – it’s about building a more efficient transportation network that connects Alberta’s industries to markets while keeping our economy competitive,” comments Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
Officials say Highway 621 carries approximately 1,300 vehicles per day and about 8.5 per cent of that is truck traffic, or around 87 trucks daily.
Brazeau County Reeve Bart Guyon says the upgrades have been needed for some time and “will be very well received by our residents, businesses and industries.”
Planning, engineering and design work will soon begin for 30 kilometres of grade widening to the road between Highways 22 and 753. The upgrades will accommodate a 7.32-metre-wide load passing a 2.6-metre-wide regulated commercial truck.
Brazeau County will lead the hiring of a consultant and delivery of the work. The design phase is expected to take two to three years, depending on right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations.
Officials say the changes should improve safety, support Alberta’s heavy load corridors and strengthen the province’s economic competitiveness.
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