Alberta Freshens Up Highway Rest Stops

Aug 10, 2022 - 3 years ago

Ten highway washrooms will be upgraded to make road trips more convenient and comfortable. The first package of upgrades will convert 10 outhouse-style washrooms to flush toilets at nine locations throughout the province. More upgrades are planned for the near future.

“Motorists deserve to have safe, clean, modern and dignified washrooms as they travel our province’s highways,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Transportation. “Improving these highway washrooms will benefit the travelling public, tourists and commercial drivers.”

“It has been said that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression,” said Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. “Upgrading our rest stops will go a long way to not only providing a clean and more modernized convenience, it will help ensure the first impressions we leave with visitors are good ones, and that they will tell others of why they should visit Alberta.”

“Whether you are travelling for work or taking a road trip with family, you deserve to have confidence in Alberta’s roadside services,” said Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead. “These upgrades will deliver on these expectations by making our highways safer and cleaner for everyone.”

The sites were selected based on their remote location, traffic volumes and proximity to other commercial facilities.

“So many Albertans look forward to taking a road trip where they can experience the beauty and vastness of our great province,” said Jeff Kasbrick, vice-president of Advocacy and Operations, Alberta Motor Association. “AMA supports this announcement, as these improvements will help ensure that these beloved road trips are even more enjoyable, while also keeping everyone healthy and safe.”

“Our industry is focused on serving the needs of Albertans, and we have long advocated for safe and modern amenities that allow us to do that,” said Chris Nash, president, Alberta Motor Transport Association. “We thank the province for taking steps to create a more dignified environment for both the motoring public and commercial operators, who take pride in the safe and efficient transport of people and goods that Albertans and Canadians rely on every day.”

Facility upgrades will begin this summer and are expected to be completed in fall 2022.

Quick facts

$1.5 million is the estimated cost to upgrade the 10 highway washrooms.
The locations of the upgraded washrooms are:
Highway 1
o   five kilometres east of Highway 68 eastbound
o   one kilometre east of Walsh westbound
o   Strathmore Vehicle Inspection Station eastbound
Highway 16
o one kilometre east of East Nojack Access westbound
o seven kilometres east of East Nojack Access eastbound
Highway 36
o two kilometres north of Highway 28 northbound
Highway 43
o two kilometres east of Mayerthorpe eastbound
o two upgrades 5.5 kilometres east of Sangudo westbound
Highway 881 (vehicle inspection station)
o east of the junction of Highway 63 and Highway 881 eastbound.