Northwest leg of Henday officially opens; freeway now 90 per cent complete

EDMONTON - Three years and $1.42 billion later, the northwest section of Anthony Henday Drive was officially opened Tuesday afternoon, promising relief for thousands of Edmonton commuters.

"(This) will change the way people travel in the area and will almost immediately reduce traffic congestion," said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Alberta Transportation.

Construction of the northwest portion of the Henday began in fall 2008 and includes eight interchanges, five flyovers and two rail crossings. The freeway is now 90 per cent complete and stretches 69 kilometres.

"The opening of this roadway also marks another step towards our goal of 800 kilometres of free flow traffic from Nanton to Grande Prairie," Danyluk said.

An estimated 30,000 motorists use the northwest portion of the Henday each day.