The Alberta NDP will fund the first steps towards the creation of a vital interchange that will support economic growth in the Industrial Heartland for generations to come.

The interchange, at Highway 15 and Highway 830, will help end long standing delays to traffic flow in the area. Those traveling through the area are often forced to wait for long trains moving in and out of the Industrial Heartland.

If elected in May, Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley committed to launching a functional planning study on the interchange within 100 days of taking office. She made it clear that an NDP Government WILL build the proper interchange immediately once the review is complete and determines what is the best shape and design.

This is critical enabling infrastructure that will help attract private sector capital investment to the Industrial Heartland. It will make travel more convenient for people moving through Strathcona County and surrounding areas and it will make the flow of goods for industry much more manageable.

The Industrial Heartland is critical to our province’s economic success. It is Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region and provides employment for thousands of hardworking Albertans.

As the surrounding communities, like Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan, continue to grow we must ensure that the necessary infrastructure is there to support those communities that Albertans call home.

Infrastructure, including vital roadways have been ignored for far too long.

We look forward to supporting industry, supporting Heartland residents and ensuring that we are doing what’s necessary to keep our communities vibrant.

Investing in important enabling infrastructure, like the interchange and continuing to support growth and development in our industrial heartland will go toward maximizing Alberta’s competitiveness, attract investment to our province, build a resilient economy and create good-paying jobs, now, and for future generations.