4-laning between Kakabeka Falls and Shabaqua one step closer

The Ministry of Transportation says it has picked the route for a proposed four-laning of Highway 11/17 between Kakabeka Falls and Shabaqua.

The ministry finalized its preferred route, after a planning study was completed in January 2013.

MTO spokesperson Annemarie Piscopo said the ministry has now designated the land, creating building restrictions in the area.

"Existing use of private property located within the designated lands can continue until the Ministry acquires the land," she told CBC News.

"However, any new development or any expansion of an existing development will require permit approval."

Piscopo said there is no timeline for construction on the four-laning, and no additional work is scheduled. Typically, planning studies are undertaken 10 to 25 years before construction begins, she noted.