Upgrades announced for stretch of Alaska Highway

The project will include paving and improving intersections of an eight kilometre stretch from kilometres 443 and 451, the rodeo grounds to the Muskwa Bridge, over 2012/2013. Zimmer argues the improvements, which are part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, will be beneficial to the area.

"The Alaska Highway is a critical element of local, regional, provincial, national and international infrastructure, providing benefits to thousands of Canadians," he says. "These upgrades will create local jobs and benefit the regional economy for years to come."

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, echoes that sentiment, adding that the plan not only creates jobs across the country, but will also ensure safe access for the public. An open tendering process will be conducted for the work, through the Government Electronic Tendering System (MERX).

Fort Nelson is one of the five Canadian cities that the government has earmarked $250 million for infrastructure projects. The other cities receiving money are all in Ontario, including Ottawa, Hamilton, Pembroke and Latchford.