Work will begin this spring to lower the level of the road surface of Highway 97 at the West Pine CNR overhead, approximately 70 km west of Chetwynd. This will increase the height clearance for commercial vehicles travelling the corridor.

A $1.69-million contract has been awarded to Cariboo Construction Ltd. of Prince George to complete the project. Work will begin in June and be finished by the end of August.

This work builds on the $40-million Bennett Creek to Link Creek project on Highway 97 west of Chetwynd. This major re-alignment of Highway 97 will improve corners to a 90 km/h standard and includes construction of four new bridges. The project is currently underway and will be finished this fall.

When the West Pine overhead project is complete, the overhead clearance of Highway 97 from Prince George to Chetwynd will be over 5 metres, making Highway 97 North one of the most efficient commercial corridors in B.C. This will improve the ability for industry to move large machinery and resources in and out of the Peace, creating the jobs that support Northern B.C. families.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"This project is part of our long-term northern commercial corridor strategy to improve safety and mobility on Highway 97 North through the Pine Pass. The work at the West Pine overhead will help to reduce height constraints for commercial vehicles and support continued economic growth in the region."

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell -

"We know that the growth of resource industries across the North is helping power B.C.'s economy. Construction of this project will not only create jobs from Chetwynd to Prince George, but by allowing for greater height restrictions on key highways, our industries can grow larger and faster, creating jobs across the province."

Northern Development Initiative Trust chair Evan Saugstad -

"Investments improving highway infrastructure like the West Pine overhead to enable low-bed loads like compressor stations and mining equipment from northeast B.C. to be serviced in B.C. communities is important to creating jobs and building our economy. An economic analysis funded by the trust demonstrated that this is a cost effective investment in our highway infrastructure that can grow economic activity."

Quick Facts:

* Current height clearance at the West Pine CNR overhead is 4.85 metres.

* After construction, the clearance at the overhead will be 5.35 metres and the minimum clearance between Prince George and Chetwynd will over five metres.

Learn More:

Follow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: http://tranbc.ca

Contact:

Jeff Knight

Communications Manager

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

250 356-7707

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect