A $23.4-million contract has been awarded to Emil Anderson Construction Inc. of Kelowna to four-lane a section of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Kamloops.

This second and final phase of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project will widen 3.1 kilometres of Highway 1 from two to four lanes, improving the safety and reliability through one of the most challenging sections of this important route.

Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2015 and be finished by the fall of 2016. Once completed, there will be 16 kilometres of new four-laning on the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and Chase, as a result of the Monte Creek to Pritchard and the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff projects.

Phase 2 of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project follows extensive consultation with local First Nations and includes an agreement for construction through the Neskonlith Indian Band’s reserve near Hoffman’s Bluff.

Quick Facts:

• The total cost of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is $61.6 million. The Government of Canada is contributing a maximum of $26.9 million through the Building Canada Fund. The Government of British Columbia will invest $34.7 million for this highway safety improvement.
• The first phase of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is under way and includes approximately 2.8 kilometres of four-lane highway. Completion is expected by June 2015.
• The second phase is 3.1 kilometres long, with construction running from spring 2015 to fall 2016.
• The Highway 1 Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to invest $650 million over 10 years into Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border.
• The Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program will create 3,300 direct jobs over the duration of the 10-year program.  

Quotes:

Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification and Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo -

“Our government is pleased to see progress on the continuation of twinning of Highway 1, which will have long-lasting benefits for the communities and businesses along this heavily-used highway. These improvements will also help reduce collisions and will make driving safer for everyone in the region.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure -

“By working with First Nations communities along this section of the Trans-Canada Highway, we continue to make it safer and more reliable for all travellers and for those who live along the corridor, as well as help to ensure that goods can get to market on this extremely important trade route.”

Chief Judy Wilson, Neskonlith Indian Band -

“Safety has been an ongoing concern for the Trans-Canada Highway. The four-laning directly involves our communities in various studies, contractual work and most importantly in the protection of our cultural sites and ancestral burial landform. The entire corridor is recognized as origins of our Secwepemc People, which date back 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Continued protection and management of the existing sites and the new finds is critical. Direct involvement in planning, design and construction along with recognition of our title/rights and people is key.”

Chief Wayne Christian, Splatsin -

“The Trans-Canada Highway lies within the Secwepemc Cradle of Civilization. Numerous archaeological discoveries have uncovered Secwepemc habitation, quarries, and ancient burials throughout the Monte Creek to Hoffman’s Bluff expansion, increasing the known history of this area, and substantiating Aboriginal title and rights. Sexqéltkemc te Secwepemc are collectively protecting culturally significant sites, settlements and burial sites along the Trans-Canada Highway expansion, while encouraging a safer highway system through our Secwepemc territory.”

Chief Nelson Leon, Adams Lake Band -

 “The archaeology information gathered by the Secwepemc of our history has challenged current anthropology ideas, and we are discovering and recording our history, and providing continuity to our ancestors.” 

Learn More:

To learn more about the Building Canada Fund-Major Infrastructure Component (MIC), visit:http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html

Learn more about B.C.’s Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/bchwy1/

View a photo of the Hoffman’s Bluff section of the Trans-Canada Highway here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/15674571893/

Media Contacts:

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613 943-1838

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613 993-0055

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