The Wildrose would complete Calgary’s ring road by 2020 or 2021, party leader Brian Jean said Wednesday.

Due to the collapse in oil prices, the ruling PCs have delayed building the road’s west portion between 16 Ave. and Glenmore Tr. until 2025, stating it would save $1.5 billion in capital spending.

But Jean said finishing that long-deferred leg earlier, during an economic downturn, would be less expensive and create badly-needed jobs.

The Tories, he said, have abandoned Calgary commuters to agonizing gridlock.

“The result is 10 more years of too many cars jamming up the routes around Broadcast Hill — that’s unacceptable,” said Jean, while overlooking the Stoney Tr. bridge spanning the Bow River.

“A ring road is a ring road, not a dead end.”

A Wildrose government would use existing municipal infrastructure funds and expected budget surplus cash to finish the leg of the road that would link up with the stretch traversing Tsuu T’ina land.

“It is predictable, sustainable and not subject to oil prices and broken promises of Tory politicians,” said Jean.

“It is a priority for Calgarians and we’ve heard that loud and clear.”

He pegged the cost of the 16 Ave. to Glenmore Tr. stretch of the road at $1.5 billion.

Premier Jim Prentice has repeatedly attacked the Wildrose fiscal blueprint, saying its numbers don’t compute.

bill.kaufmann@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @SUNBillKaufmann

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