A Kamloops firm will begin work this summer to expand the Trans-Canada Highway near the Village of Chase from two to four lanes, making travel safer for people and more efficient for trade.

The $25.9-million contract for the Chase Creek Road to Chase West project has been awarded to Dawson Civil Limited of Kamloops and will prioritize hiring local workers through a Community Benefits Agreement.

“I’m happy to announce this project has been awarded to a local firm and construction will begin this summer,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Now is the right time to build infrastructure that hires local workers and improves our communities who are struggling with the impacts of COVID-19.”

A 3.3-kilometre section of Highway 1 will be widened to four lanes with a centre median barrier, improving safety. The project also includes:

• at-grade protected T-intersections with lighting at both Chase Creek Road and Shuswap Avenue;
• a grade-separated pedestrian crossing and multi-use pathway to link the Neskonlith Indian Band and the Village of Chase communities;
• a cattle underpass to comply with Agricultural Land Commission requirements; and
• conversion of the existing highway to frontage road to consolidate access.

During construction, every effort will be made to minimize disruption and impacts to local traffic, and updates will be provided via DriveBC.

“This project will help diversify and grow B.C.’s skilled workforce,” Trevena said. “Apprentices will also get the opportunity to work on site and gain the experience they need to launch life-long careers.”

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is working closely with all contractors and WorkSafeBC to ensure health and safety are maintained for all workers on site.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols have been in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer that kept construction sites open and ensured work was happening safely. These include reducing in-person meetings or gatherings, holding meetings outdoors and ensuring physical distancing of workers throughout the work day. These measures, along with daily cleaning and sanitizing of common areas and surfaces, will help ensure worker and public safety.

Under the Community Benefits Agreement, the project will prioritize hiring local workers, Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and other under-represented groups who are qualified to do the work in a safe, welcoming environment. Additionally, this project will provide opportunities for Red Seal apprentices to work on site and gain the experience they need to launch careers in the trades.

Learn More:

Highway 1 four-laning program: http://www.bchwy1.ca

Job opportunities for the Chase four-laning project: https://bcib.ca/

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, visit: DriveBC.ca
Or @DriveBC on Twitter.

For guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19, visit: http://ow.ly/P7WS50z8hNT

For travel restrictions and precautions due to COVID-19, visit: http://ow.ly/jBGu50yVMRO

A backgrounder follows.