Alaska Highway Safety Improvement contract awarded to local company

Cobalt Construction of Whitehorse has been awarded a $10.8 million contract to make safety improvements along the Alaska Highway between Lodestar Lane and Burns Road.

This summer, a signalized intersection will be built at the Hillcrest intersection to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The contract also includes a new paved multi-use trail along the highway which will connect to the City of Whitehorse’s growing trail network. Additional through lanes and dedicated turn lanes will also be added to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the likelihood of collisions.

The Government of Yukon will continue to monitor how these upgrades enhance safety for all road users. Construction is expected to begin in June.

The Alaska Highway is a critical for all of Yukon’s road users and these improvements will substantially improve safety. This contract also provides another example of a local company playing a role in keeping Yukon’s economy on track while improving the lives of Yukoners.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn

Quick facts 
  • The Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board has recommended that the Alaska Highway Safety Improvement project be allowed to proceed as proposed.

  • The project will be completed in three phases. This contract is broken down into two phases. 

    • Phase 1 between Lodestar Lane and Hillcrest Drive will start this June and end in fall 2020.
    • Phase 2 is from Hillcrest Drive to Burns Road and will start in summer 2021 and end in fall 2021.
  • Phase 3 will take place the following summer as a new tender/contract. The full project (three phases) will be completed in fall 2022. 

  • Uncontrolled road accesses along the highway will also be closed in an effort to improve safety and reduce motor vehicle collisions.

Media contact 

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca

Keely Bass
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-3950
keely.bass@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
20-160