Norm Macdonald MLA                                              Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

October 9, 2009

Macdonald ensures Hwy 93/95 upgrade remains on Minister’s radar

VICTORIA – In estimates debate for the Ministry of Transportation, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald raised the need for upgrades to the highway 93/95 corridor, including the Akisqnuk turnoff near Windermere.

The estimates process is an opportunity for line-by-line debate on the budget for each Ministry within government.

Thursday, October 8th, morning, committee A (Estimates: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure:

“The highway 93/95 corridor from Radium to Fairmont is a critical roadway for people in the Columbia Valley,” said Macdonald.  “It is in the very busy summer months when the road’s shortcomings become most obvious.”

The lack of left turn lanes for high traffic turnoffs produce the most dangerous situations.

“One particularly dangerous turnoff is the Akisqnuk turnoff.  This is the turnoff to a childcare centre, the band office and the community mailboxes, yet you cannot turn off the highway safely.”

Macdonald will continue to push the Minister to make the necessary upgrades to highway 93/95 a priority.

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