A $6.5-million contract has been awarded to Peter's Bros. Construction Ltd. of Penticton to improve an important stretch of Highway 3 and local side roads in the Rock Creek area.

Approximately 30 km of Highway 3 from Rock Creek west to Nine Mile Pit will be resurfaced to improve the ride and safety for motorists. The project will include some work on the shoulders to improve the ride for cyclists. Safety will be further enhanced with the replacement of concrete roadside barriers along this portion of Highway 3 and with intersection improvements at Hulme Creek Rd.

This section of Highway 3 is popular with tourists. It is the southern leg of the Province's Mountains and Vineyards Circle Route and provides access to Johnstone Creek Provincial Park.

The recycled asphalt from the project will be used to improve approximately 16 total kilometres of roadway surface along portions of local side roads used by residents and for access to recreational areas. Roads to be improved include:

* Mount Baldy Road

* Frontage Road opposite Mt. Baldy

* Bridesville Townsite Road

* Bridesville Cemetery Road

* Hulme Creek Road

* Sidley Mountain Road

* Sidley/Camp McKinney Road

* Wiggins Road

* Wagon Wheel Road

* Kelly Road

Works are expected to be complete in mid-September and will begin as soon as weather permits.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom:

"Highway 3 remains one of our most important east-west trade corridors, and improvements to this route continue to be a high priority. This particular work will provide area families, tourists and commercial transport vehicles with a smoother, safer surface between Osoyoos and Rock Creek, and save taxpayers money by extending the life of the highway."

Boundary-Similkameen MLA John Slater:

"Highway 3 is a major vital link for B.C.'s southern communities and improvements such as this project will ensure safe and smooth travel for all. When the work is completed, drivers will definitely notice a significant improvement."

Quick Facts:

* Since 2001, the Province has completed over 80 Highway 3/3A/3B projects.

* This year's funding brings the total investment on Highway 3/3A/3B to over $220 million since 2001.

Learn More:

Follow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 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