Hinton’s Robb Road is getting a significant boost from the Government of Alberta, after the province announced it would match funds put forward by the municipality to increase access to the resource road. 

The province is chipping in $3 million to improve access to the road that lies to the south of Hinton. The improvements will support the movement of goods and people to encourage economic growth in the area. 

“The province is committed to helping complete this major project that will improve trucking access, making it a safer and more efficient road to travel,” said Luke Ouellette, minister of transportation. “This is about supporting future growth and the development of new industrial lands that will only add to this prospering community.”

The funding will see three kilometres of the road upgraded from a single-lane gravel road, to a two-lane paved roadway. The area to be improved lies between the K-Lynn trucking location and Mountain Street. Resources in the area include pulp, paper, lumber and coal. 

“This is great news for industry around Hinton. Paving this road will be beneficial to Hinton residents as well providing better and safer access to the venues found along this stretch of road,” said Robin Campbell, MLA for West Yellowhead. “Thanks to this cost-shared investment, the upgraded roadway will help sustain a strong community and drive our economy forward.”

The first step of the project will be engineering, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The project will be headed by the municipality, and construction is expected to kick off in 2012. 

“Paving Robb Road will offer all travellers an improved and safer road to access the many industrial and recreational opportunities south of Hinton,” said Deputy Mayor Ian Duncan.