Yukon takes first steps to widen Alaska Highway through Whitehorse

The Yukon government is laying the groundwork for upgrades to the Alaska Highway through Whitehorse, by soliciting design work for a section near Mount Sima.

It's the first step in what could be a major highwayreconstruction project, widening or twinning parts of the Whitehorse corridor. The government has proposed a $200 million project to upgrade a 40 kilometre stretch ofroad through the city.

Paul Murchison, Yukon'sdirector of transportation and engineering,says the government is now looking for a company todesign a passing lane and turning lane for a1.4kilometrestretch of highway at the Mount Simaturn-off.

"We're essentially getting this designed, and it will be on a shelf ready to gowhen and if we have funding in the future to proceed with construction," he said.

Murchison said that segmentof highway is one of the least-contentious parts of the proposed upgrade project.

"It has safety benefits, minimal impacts with utilities, minimal environmental impacts," he said.

Other parts of the highway project have met with opposition from people who fear awider highway will encroach upon their roadside businesses.

The Yukon government has presentedthe upgrades asa wayto improve safety and alleviate congestion as the city grows. Highways minister Scott Kenthas also said that no work would begin without further consultation, unless needed to address safety.

A consultant'srecent survey found Whitehorse residents almost evenlydivided in their support for the proposed $200 million plan.