Local contractor Brocor Construction Ltd. has been awarded an $8.5-million contract for the Braden Road Phase 3 project. This will complete the reconstruction of the entire length of Braden Road between Highway 97 North and Highway 97 South.

Braden Road will be widened, strengthened and seal-coated for a distance of 14 km, from 218 Road to Highway 97 South. This contract also includes new lighting at the intersection of John Hart Highway 97, improvements to the intersections of Braden Road at 212, 214 and 216 Roads, and improvement to the drainage on the approaches to Barringham Bridge.

Work will begin this summer and take approximately a year to complete.

The Braden Road Phase 3 project is funded through the Province's Oil and Gas Rural Road Improvement Program (OGRRIP). Of the $54 million invested in the South Peace this year, $19 million is funded through OGRRIP.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Braden Road is one of the most-travelled in our region. The improvements we're doing here will help improve travel and safety for local residents and support increased industry investment and activity."

"It's great to see local companies compete and succeed in bidding for these major provincial construction contracts. This contract will have a great economic spin-off for our community and help create and maintain local employment for local families."

Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman -

"The Oil and Gas Rural Road Improvement Program generates significant new money for the Province by improving roads and extending the drilling season year round. Thanks in part to this initiative, we've seen a big improvement to our northeast public roads in the form of wider roads, better intersections and improved traffic management."

Quick Facts:

• This project will complete the widening and strengthening of Braden Road between Highway 97 North and Highway 97 South.
• The Province is investing over $54 million in highway and road improvement projects in the South Peace in 2011-12.
• The Province has extended its commitment to the OGRIP by investing $30 million this year to improve rural roads in the Peace overall.
• Since 2001, the Province has invested more than $925 million in road and bridge improvements and maintenance in the Northeast.

Learn More:

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

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 508-5506