The first of nine new Cariboo Connector four-laning projects on Highway 97 is going to tender this week.

The Old Cariboo Highway to Sintich Road project will widen approximately 3.5 km of Highway 97 to four lanes, and includes intersection improvements along the corridor. Work is scheduled to begin this year with completion anticipated in summer 2013.

This expansion will tie into the existing five km of four-laning from Simon Fraser Bridge to Sintich Road, completed in 2010 as part of Phase 1 of the Cariboo Connector program.

The provincial government is investing $200 million over the next five years for Phase 2 of the Cariboo Connector. It is a key part of the new Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy that commits $700 million over the next five years to increase capacity on key provincial highways to support trade and economic growth.

At the completion of these nine new projects, almost 50 per cent of the 440-km highway between Cache Creek and Prince George will be either three or four lanes wide, improving the safety and mobility of this important corridor.

Quotes:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom -

"We will have shovels in the ground this summer on Phase 2 of our program to widen Highway 97 to four lanes. This project will improve safety and add capacity to the highway near the southern approach to Prince George, increase access to the Prince George Airport, and create a large number of jobs for the North."

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond -

"The Cariboo Connector is a critical highway and ongoing investment will allow for Phase 2 work to begin this summer. The first of nine projects will continue four-laning and include intersection improvements to enhance safety and efficiency."

Quick Facts:

• The Cariboo Connector four-laning program is a long-term strategy by the Province of B.C. to widen the 440-km portion of Highway 97 between Cache Creek and Prince George to four lanes.
  
• Phase 2 of the program consists of nine projects and will add 30 km of new four-lane sections to Highway 97. This builds on the $240 million invested to widen the Cariboo Connector to four lanes since 2005.
• The nine new projects will all be underway by 2017. In addition to Old Cariboo Highway to Sintich Road, construction will also start this year on four-laning at 70 Mile North, near the community of 70 Mile House.

Learn More:

Read about the Pacific Gateway Transportation Strategy 2012-2020 at: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/ourprogress/building-markets-growing-jobs/

Learn more about the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure at: www.tranbc.ca

Contact:

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