Enbridge launches Line 3 replacement construction from Hardisty to U.S. border. ECA Review/Submitted
CALGARY, AB — Enbridge announced the launch of construction on the Line 3 Replacement (L3R) Program, an important maintenance-driven project that will improve system safety and reliability.
The largest project in the company’s history, L3R will also provide an economic boost to Alberta, generating an estimated 9,223-plus direct and indirect jobs in Alberta, financial spinoffs and business opportunities for local communities along the construction right of way, as well as hundreds of millions in tax revenue for the province.
“Replacing the existing Line 3 with the newest and most advanced pipeline technology will provide much needed incremental capacity to support Canadian crude oil production growth and U.S. and Canadian refinery demand,” said Guy Jarvis, President, Liquids Pipelines.
Construction is expected to continue through 2017 and be completed for a targeted in-service date of 2019.
The press release outlining the benefits of the project included 24,493 temporary full-time equivalent positions in Canada, 9,223 direct and indirect jobs in Alberta, 7,833 in Saskatchewan and 3,274 in Manitoba; $2.8 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product; $1.8 billion in labour income; $514.3 million in tax revenue to federal and provincial governments; and $50 million in benefits to Indigenous communities.
The purpose of the project is to improve safety and reliability and restore historical operating capacity and reduce future repair activities and resulting disruptions to landowners and the environment.