Central Alberta drivers can finally celebrate since construction is complete on the Highway 2 and Gaetz Avenue interchange.

The project began in 2016 and the goal was to be completed before the 2019 Winter Games. Minister of Transportation, Brian Mason was proud to say that not only were they on time but they were also on budget.

“It’s open and fully functional, there is a little bit of stuff that needs to be done, there is going to be a little bit more paving, landscaping, a retaining wall that sort of thing but in all intents and purposes it’s done and open to traffic.”

The 80 million dollar project was one of 195 projects in the 2018 Construction Program.

Minster Mason says this project was important for driver safety since it used to be a hazard for drivers merging onto the highway.

“I think people are going to be really pleased with the traffic flow it’s sure going to be a lot safer, there was traffic that would come out of Red Deer at 60 km/hour and all of a sudden they were on the highway, it was a real dangerous place.”

Polishing up of the project will be done next year and will include paving, signage, landscaping and guardrail installation.