Alberta adds $80 million to paving projects

EDMONTON – The Government of Alberta is increasing its investment in paving and overlay projects for the next year.

The 2023-24 paving and overlay budget is $335.1 million, an increase of $80 million from last year, a release stated.

This year there are 42 paving projects across Alberta including eight projects in the central region, nine in the north central and Fort McMurray regions, 14 projects in the peace region and 11 overlay and paving projects in the southern region.

The expanded budget garnered praise from Alberta construction industry stakeholders, including Carmacks Enterprises Ltd. president Gary Brooks who said “this investment marks an excellent start to catch up with the aging infrastructure and positions us well for the future.”

“The Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (ARCHA) applauds this investment by the Government of Alberta into the highway system. Highway rehabilitation and new construction provides a massive return on investment for Alberta communities and business,” ARCHA CEO Ronald Glen added.

This year’s projects include testing of Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) technology along Highway 33 near Barrhead. CIR grinds existing pavement, reducing the need to haul way old material and reduces emissions as materials are remixed without the use of heat. The technology is generally used along portions of highway with severe stress, such as cracking, the release said.