Government of Yukon

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FOR RELEASE     #07-213
October 11, 2007

Funds Allocated to Upgrade Robert Campbell Highway

WHITEHORSE – Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang is pleased to announce the allocation of over $31 million dedicated to improving and upgrading infrastructure on the southern Robert Campbell Highway over the next three years.

Increased activity along the Robert Campbell Highway, including renewed mining activity at the Yukon Zinc Wolverine Project Mine, has necessitated an upgrade to the current highway infrastructure.

"Investing in infrastructure is a key priority for the Yukon government," Lang said. "Critical infrastructure improvements to highways and bridges contribute to healthy and viable Yukon communities, as well as economic growth."

The government is now preparing an application on this project for the Yukon Environmental Socio-Economic Assessment Board’s (YESAB) review, which will involve discussions with First Nations and communities along the highway route.

The Robert Campbell Highway reconstruction project will begin in the 2008 fiscal year and continue on through to 2011. Work will include improvements at various locations between kilometre 10 (Watson Lake Airport) and kilometre 60 (north of Frances River Bridge) as well as in the Tuchitua area between kilometres 107 and 114.

As a result of the anticipated increase in activity on the road, upgrading this highway to maintainable standards has become a government priority.

"Canada’s North holds promise as a source of great resources in addition to being a strategic stronghold," Lang added. "We must plan and invest in infrastructure that will be vital for the development of the human and economic potentials of the North."

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Contact:  
Roxanne Vallevand   
Cabinet Communications   
(867) 667-7949    
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca  		 Kira Steen
Communications, Highways & Public Works
(867) 667–3146
kira.steen@gov.yk.ca