Upgrades valued at $5.2 million will be coming to roads in the Shuswap this year, improving safety and travel for local residents, visitors and commercial drivers.

A $4.3-million contract has been awarded to Green Roads Recycling Ltd., to resurface sections of Highway 1 and Highway 97A near Sicamous, improving travel for local residents, tourists and commercial drivers.

Work on Highway 1 starts just east of Canoe Beach Drive East and continues east intermittently for approximately 19 kilometres. Work on Highway 97A starts 2.7 kilometres north of the Shuswap River Bridge in Grindrod and continues north for approximately 26 kilometres to the junction with Highway 1. Work is expected to start in early May. To reduce the inconvenience for residents and tourists, work after June 15 will be limited to night time operations, and travellers should expect some delays on the route.

Portions of Enderby-Mabel Lake Road will be resurfaced this year, to continue this ongoing, multi-year resurfacing project. This is an important route for residents, as well as for tourists taking advantage of nearby camping and golfing. The project will go to tender in April, with work scheduled to be completed in October.

In Grindrod, the intersection of Highway 97B and Springbend Road will have streetlights added this year, to improve pedestrian and motorist safety at night.

This work builds on the $1.3 billion invested in highway improvements in the Thompson-Okanagan since 2001.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"The economy in communities in the Shuswap relies heavily on vacationers who come to enjoy house-boating on local lakes, as well as the many resorts and provincial campgrounds in the area. These highway improvements will benefit all motorists by a providing a safer, smoother ride."

Shuswap MLA George Abbott -

"Transportation is critical for the economic prosperity of the Shuswap area. The resurfacing of Highway 1 will provide a safer, faster road network for residents, tourists and commercial vehicles."

Learn More:

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

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

Contact:

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