SEXSMITH, Alta. — In a little more than a year northbound and southbound traffic on Hwy. 2 in northwest Alberta will be separated in an effort to accommodate increased vehicle volumes.

Construction is set to begin next week to twin just over eight kilometres of Hwy. 2 in the Sexsmith area from its junction with Hwy. 672 north to its junction with Hwy. 59. The newly divided road will open to traffic in October 2007.

“This project is welcome news for highway users in the Sexsmith and Clairmont areas,” said Mel Knight, MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky. “Traffic has been growing rapidly on Highway 2 during the past few years and the new divided stretch will better accommodate the growth and improve safety.”

The $28-million project includes the removal of a small concrete bridge and several culverts from beneath the road surface, which are to be replaced by three new bridge culverts.

“Investing in Alberta’s highway network is necessary to support the province’s strong economy and contribute to future growth,” said Ty Lund, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. “Improving highway infrastructure also increases safety for motorists.”

Provincial officials estimate between 7,500 and 10,500 vehicles use Hwy. 2 in this area each day, depending on location.