Premier Christy Clark today announced $4 million to upgrade Highway 52/Boundary Road to help strengthen B.C.'s highway system.

"B.C.'s highway system is the backbone of a strong economy," said Premier Clark. "Safe and reliable roads are a vital link between our communities for residents and industry and are a conduit to job creation. We will continue to work with the trucking industry to keep goods and services flowing throughout the province as we open up new markets for our natural resources."

This project will upgrade Highway 52/Boundary Road west of Tumbler Ridge and is funded through the province's Oil and Gas Rural Road Improvement Program (OGRRIP). Of the $54 million invested in highway and road improvements in the South Peace this year, $19 million is funded through OGRRIP.

The Province has extended its commitment to the OGRRIP by investing $30 million this year to improve rural roads throughout the Peace. Since 2001, the province has invested more than $925 million in road and bridge improvements and maintenance in the Northeast.

"Highway 52/Boundary Road is heavily used by the oil and gas industry and supports local jobs in our region," said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom. "This improves safety for both industry and the travelling public."

Work is underway and is expected to be completed in early October.

"The Oil and Gas Rural Road Improvement Program has significantly improved safe, year-round activity between our busy oil and gas communities," said Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman. "We are pleased to announce this latest road upgrade during Oil and Gas Week in British Columbia."

The province is celebrating Oil and Gas Week 2011 between September 4-10, to coincide with the annual Oil and Gas Conference in northeast B.C.

Contacts:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241