The first Phase 2 Cariboo Connector four-laning project on Highway 97 is now complete.

This expanded section of one of B.C.'s most important corridors will improve safety and efficiency for families, commercial traffic and tourists travelling this route.

The Old Cariboo Highway-to-Sintich Road project included widening approximately 3.5 kilometres of Highway 97 to four lanes and improving the intersections at Holmes Road and Bowron Road, as well as a number of highway access roads along the highway.

The culvert and roadway banks at Haggith Creek have been stabilized to reduce erosion and maintain the water quality of the creek.

The expansion has added capacity to the south end of Highway 97 heading into Prince George and ties into the existing five kilometres of four-laning from the Simon Fraser Bridge to Sintich Road, completed in 2010 as part of Phase 1 of the Cariboo Connector Program.

This $17-million project is part of $200-million committed for Phase 2 of the program that will add 30 kilometres of new four-lane sections to Highway 97. This builds on the $240 million already invested through Phase 1 of the program.

The nine Phase 2 projects will all be complete or underway by 2017. When completed, almost 50 per cent of the 440-kilometre highway between Cache Creek and Prince George will be either three or four lanes wide.

Quotes:

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone -

"This is an important milestone for the Cariboo Connector Program. Building on the success of Phase 1, we're now well on our way with Phase 2, which when complete, will support economic growth that will benefit workers and families in the region and across the province."

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond -

"Improving transportation infrastructure is critical to economic growth and development. Our government's continued investment in Highway 97 ensures that road users - whether they are local residents, tourists or industrial vehicles - have safer, more efficient travel. We appreciate the patience that motorists have had during work on this section of the Cariboo Connector."

(flickr.com)

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