Alaska Highway: Pink Mountain intersection improvements

Find out about the improvement project on the Alaska Highway near the Pink Mountain intersection from kilometre (km) 225 to 227.

Project overview

Project description

The entry points near the Pink Mountain intersection from km 225 to 227 on the Alaska Highway were in need of improvements. These entry points included:

• 1 four-way entry point
• 2 busy T-entry points

There were 6 access points, which linked to:

• the Buffalo Inn
• the RaceTrac gas station and store
• 2 work camps
• a campground
• an oilfield and recreational access road (Cypress Creek Road)

The number of access points, along with their proximity, resulted in operational issues and a risk for collisions in the area.

The improvements at the Pink Mountain intersection included:

• adding acceleration and deceleration lanes to access the highway, as well as creating left-turn bays to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions
• closing secondary access points to the intersection to reduce blind spots and increase merging safety
• widening superelevation to reduce sliding hazards
• relocating signage and improving drainage

As part of this project, 12.5% of the construction contract value was awarded to Indigenous suppliers, aligning with the mandatory requirements for federal departments and agencies.

Key milestones

• May 2023: design completed
• June 2023: tender posted
• October 2023: contract awarded
• June 2024: construction began
• September 2024: construction substantially complete

Photo gallery

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Benefits to Canadians

There were many access roads intersecting the highway within a relatively short distance, resulting in a risk for travellers. The improvements reduced the risk of collision and traffic delays at these entry and access points.

Information for motorists

The Alaska Highway remained fully operational throughout the project.

The average peak-hour volume varies throughout the day.

Morning peak hour

• 150 vehicles per hour northbound
• 50 vehicles per hour southbound

Afternoon peak hour

• 100 vehicles per hour northbound
• 200 vehicles per hour southbound

The volume can change at different times of the year. During construction season, there is a significant increase in traffic at these entry and access points.

Related links

• Government of Canada announces contract to improve the Alaska Highway
• Contract award notice on the Pink Mountain intersection improvement project
• Alaska Highway
• Alaska Highway: Sikanni Chief River Bridge fire repairs

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada