SPRUCE GROVE, Alta. (Aug 4, 2005) — One of Alberta’s most collision-prone highway intersections has been replaced by the province’s newest interchange.

The new interchange at Campsite Road and Highway 16 near Spruce Grove eliminates the need for motorists to cross six lanes of highway-speed traffic or three lanes when turning at the intersection, says Transport Canada.

Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation reports that interchanges reduce collisions by 45 per cent on average and are considered the safest way to access or exit a highway. The new interchange also provides a direct connection from Highway 16 to the recently-opened TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre, a major recreation facility serving the residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County.

Senator Tommy Banks, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre and Dr. Lyle Oberg, Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, officially opened the new interchange this week.

The federal and provincial governments jointly funded the interchange through the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program. The federal government provided $10 million, while the Alberta government provided the remaining $13 million.

“This new interchange alleviates a serious safety concern and better moves traffic in this rapidly growing region,” said Dr. Oberg.

Canada and Alberta signed the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program agreement in 2001.