Upgrades to the 13th Street and Alaska Avenue intersection in Dawson Creek are now complete, making driving safer and easier for motorists and improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Signals were added to the intersection, and include an emergency vehicle pre-empt at the lights due to the proximity of fire, police and ambulance services nearby. The intersection was also realigned on the north and south side of 13th Street and Alaska Avenue.

The project was a partnership between the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the City of Dawson Creek, each contributing half of the $600,000 project costs.

This project is part of the more than $54 million the Province is investing in highway and road improvement projects in the South Peace in 2011-12, including more than $19 million funded through the Oil and Gas Rural Road Improvement Program. Since 2001, the ministry has partnered with other agencies to invest over $500 million in the South Peace for road and bridge improvements and maintenance.

Quotes:

Mayor of Dawson Creek Mike Bernier -

"The City of Dawson Creek is excited to see the completion of this new intersection that will not only allow for improved traffic flow, but ensures we have an intersection that protects our citizens. Projects like this wouldn't happen without partnerships with the provincial government and other stakeholders, who collectively look at ways to make our communities safer."

Quick Fact:

• Of the more than 19,000 km of dirt and gravel roads in the province, 3,000 km are located in the Peace.

Learn More:

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

A backgrounder is attached.

Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

Nov. 25, 2011 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

South Peace District highway projects now complete

Key projects now complete and funded through the Oil and Gas Rural Road Improvement Program include:

* Tate Creek Area roads: Strengthened and seal-coated approximately seven km of South Tate Creek Road, 2.5 km of Lansfried Road and 3.8 km of North Tate Creek Road.

* Bear Mountain Road upgrades: Drainage improvements, gravelling and base repairs for approximately 3.6 km. Delivered using local equipment and operators.

* South Peace miscellaneous side roads paving: First-time hard surfacing of the Rolla community side road network and of various Dawson Creek area subdivision roads including South Dawson Road (1.4 km), Patterson Road (2.9 km), Kendrew Road (0.6 km), Imperial Road (0.2km), Micro Road (0.7 km), Friesen Road (0.8 km) and Willow Valley Estate Road (0.3 km). Overlay pave the Windrem Creek Bridge.

Additional South Peace projects now complete:

* Highway 2 Corridor Improvements: Intersection improvements at Pouce Park and Old Edmonton Highway along the Highway 2 corridor near Pouce Coupe. Other improvements include corridor lighting enhancements from Pouce Coupe to Old Edmonton Highway, slide remediation and drainage, and access improvements to the Pouce Coupe Park. Delivered using local equipment and operators.

* Monkman Park Road: Improved access to Monkman Park, including gravelling, grading, and base stabilization. Delivered using local equipment and operators.

* Highway 97, Highway 2 and DGR Paving: Resurface the Highway 97/Dangerous Goods Route (DGR) intersection in Dawson Creek and resurface sections of the DGR between Highway 97 and Highway 2. Resurface segments of Highway 2/8th St. through Dawson Creek. Resurface segments of Highway 2 south of Pouce Coupe.

* Highway 97S/DGR Intersection Improvement: Intersection improvement including full signalization and acceleration lane.

* Highway 97N West Pine Overpass: Grade reduction of Highway 97N at the West Pine Overpass, to increase clearance for industrial traffic.

* Highway 97 - Browns Road 247 to Road 223: Hot-In-Place Recycle 20 km of Highway 97 between Rd 247 and Rd 223, west of Dawson Creek.

* South Peace Gravel Program: Upgrade and strengthen existing road structures and perform brushing on various roads impacted by oil and gas industrial traffic. Delivered using local equipment and operators through the ministry's Hired Equipment Program.

* South Peace Dust Control: Apply dust control on various roads impacted by the oil and gas industry.

* Braden Road Phase 2: Completion of Phase 2 project that began in 2010. Widen, strengthen and double seal-coat approximately 9 km of Braden Road from Road 244 grid end of pavement south to Road 218M.

* Magusin Road Preferred Route - Phase 2: Intersection improvement of Highway 97/Magusin Road and the widening, base strengthening and hard surfacing of Magusin Road (3.7 km) to support the preferred routing program for oil and gas industry traffic. Delivered using local equipment and operators.

* Highway 97 Bennett Creek to Link Creek: Realigned and reconstructed of approximately 11 km of Highway 97, 83 km southeast of Chetwynd and built two new bridges.

* Crack-sealing at various locations along Highway 29S, Highway 52N, Highway 52E, Highway 97 and Dangerous Goods Route.

Contact:

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