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EDMONTON—Alberta is looking to give truckers a break.

The province is looking to develop up to 18 commercial rest areas following extensive feedback from municipalities and the trucking industry over the last 18 months.

The rest areas will allow people to fuel up, stretch their legs or stop for a meal.

“Albertans, truckers and visitors do a lot of travelling on our highways, and they need safe places to pull over, rest and have a meal,” said Rajan Sawhney, transportation minister, in a statement. “Alberta’s government is grateful for the feedback we received, including from commercial truck drivers. They help keep our economy rolling, and they deserve better amenities.”

The province has posted a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) online for interested companies to submit a proposal. Following the RFEI, a Request for Proposal process will include awarding contracts later in 2022. ��������ion is anticipated to begin as early as 2023.

“For years, our industry has advocated for safe, clean, and well-equipped commercial rest areas, which are essential to the wellbeing of both professional commercial drivers and public motorists,” said Chris Nash, president of the Alberta Motor Transport Association. “We thank the provincial government for responding to this urgent need, and we support these efforts to establish a safer and more dignified environment for our industry.”

Sites currently identified for development, as well as future sites, will only be developed following consultation and input from local stakeholders to ensure any concerns are addressed.