New highway opening

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The opening of Highway 40 between Grande Prairie and Grand Cache has been announced by Albert Transportation and Utilities Minister Al "Boomer" Adair.

The project, which cost $69.2 million, included the construction of 170 kilometres of completely new roadway in its total of 386 kilometres. It is the first time the city of Grande Prairie and the town of Grand Cache have been directly connected.

During construction which began in 1983, Alberta Transportation worked closely with Alberta Environment and Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife to preserve sensitive environmental areas and animal migration routes.

'This was a mammoth job which will be a boon to both communities which are now connected," said Mr. Adair. "The tourism industry, the logging and energy industries and all types of truckers are some of the groups which will benefit from this project."

Drivers using the road should be aware of finishing work still being carried out on the highway. Official opening ceremonies for Highway 40 will be held in the spring.