Work on Phase 2 of the Cariboo Connector is officially underway, with the start of construction to widen a stretch of Highway 97 to four lanes near 70 Mile House.

The 70 Mile North project will upgrade approximately four km of Highway 97 to four lanes, from the north end of Willow Road to 1.2 km north of Cunningham Road. The two additional lanes will provide guaranteed passing opportunities to improve safety for local residents, regional commuters and commercial drivers, and will add capacity to the route.

The initial phase of the project is being delivered using day labour. Approximately $6.3 million is allocated to hire local and regional equipment and labour to clear and grade the two new lanes of highway in preparation for paving in the 2013 construction season.

The overall value of the 70 Mile North four-laning project is $11.8 million, with completion scheduled for fall 2013. It is estimated that over 60 jobs will be created over the life of this project.

Our 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:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"This project is an important one for those who live in the region, and it is a key part of our provincial strategy to improve our transportation infrastructure. With a substantial portion of the budget dedicated to hiring local people and equipment, the whole region will benefit during construction and for years to follow."

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett -

"This project is welcome news for our region, and will greatly improve one of our busiest routes. The two new passing lanes will increase safety and mobility for families and commercial truck drivers using the corridor, and the day labour needed for construction will significantly expand local employment opportunities."

Quick Facts:

• The Cariboo Connector four-laning program is a long-term strategy 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 the 70 Mile North project near the community of 70 Mile House, construction will begin this year on Old Cariboo Highway to Sintich Road, near Prince George.

Learn More:

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

A map of Cariboo Connector Phase 2 projects is available at: www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/6928051614/

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