A four-part $7.8-million paving project is underway in the Kamloops area to improve the safety and comfort for motorists on these provincial roads. The ministry is paving 42 kilometres of road in Kamloops and the surrounding region, benefiting commercial, residential and recreational travellers.

Starting Wednesday, Dawson Construction of Kamloops will begin paving four kilometres of Highway 1 from Vicars Road to Grand Boulevard. The work on this vital corridor will be done at night to minimize disruptions to motorists. As an additional benefit to truckers, the westbound truck climbing lane from Aberdeen Underpass to Versatile Drive will also be repaved for a smoother and safer ride.

Once the work on Highway 1 is complete, the contractor will move to the next part of the project on Lac Le Jeune Road. Twenty kilometres of paving is planned from the Walloper Interchange to the Kamloops city boundary. This road is frequented by tourists, recreation users and the logging industry. Lac Le Jeune Road links Kamloops to Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park and surrounding resorts. Several forest service roads also enter Lac Le Jeune Road, providing access for log shipments to area mills.

The last part of the project involves 11 kilometres of paving on Westsyde Road from Black Pines to the McLure Ferry. Westsyde Road serves the residential and agricultural residents as well as the Whispering Pines Indian Band community.

A seven-kilometre section of Highway 5A from Rose Hill Road to Cardeau Hill was repaved as part of this project and was completed last month.

Work on this four-part project is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson, Todd Stone -

“These highways and roads are an important part of the economy for the Kamloops region. These improvements benefit everyone in the community from truckers to commuters to tourists. Making British Columbia’s highways and roads safer is an important priority for my ministry and for our community.”

Minister of Health and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, Terry Lake -

“Improvements like these not only increase safety for the travelling public, they allow even better access to our region as a whole. Our provincial highways and sideroads are an essential part of local economy, encouraging growth and promoting travel throughout British Columbia.”

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart -

“Both visitors and those in my local community benefit from ensuring our roads are safe and accessible. I will welcome these enhancements to our road network because I know this work means jobs for our region and even better roadways for those visiting the area.”

Learn More:

To learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C., go to: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Media Contacts:

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