A $17-million project to four-lane Highway 97 south of Taylor is scheduled to get underway next month, as part of B.C. on the Move, the Government of B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan.

“These improvements will make a significant difference to the residents and commercial drivers who drive this part of Highway 97 every day,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Improving the capacity and reliability of our highways is one of the key priorities in B.C. on the Move so I know residents and other motorists on the highway will welcome this project getting underway.”

An $11.7-million contract has been awarded to Brocor Construction Ltd. of Dawson Creek. In addition to four-laning approximately 4.4 kilometres of Highway 97 at Tower Lake, the project will include improving the intersection of Highway 97 at Newton (228X) and Gibbs roads, adding east and westbound left turn lanes and intersection lighting, and adding a westbound left turn lane at Highway 97 and Straka (226) Road.

These improvements will provide better passing opportunities for motorists, which is especially important on this highway due to the high proportion of commercial truck traffic in support of the natural gas industry. Traffic in general has increased in the region, adding to the necessity for this project.

Work on the project is scheduled to begin in August, with completion in fall 2016.

“Four-laning this section of Highway 97 is going to make a significant difference for anyone who travels this route every day,” said MLA for Peace River South and Minister of Education Mike Bernier. “Northern highways are especially susceptible to extreme and changing weather conditions, so it will be fantastic to see construction starting next month.”

“Highway 97 is a crucial trade corridor for the oil and gas, forestry and mining sectors,” said MLA for Peace River North Pat Pimm. “Upgrading the highway from two to four lanes will not only make it safer and more efficient to travel, it is going to have a positive impact on the region’s economy as well.”

This project is part of $1 billion the ministry is investing over the next three years to improve highway capacity and reliability in communities throughout B.C.

B.C. on the Move is government’s new 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. It provides a comprehensive road map for transportation investments and strategic policy actions over the next decade. The actions prioritized in B.C. on the Move will enhance safety, grow the economy, maintain and replace aging infrastructure, and support trade for B.C.’s expanding resource sectors through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway.

Over the next three years, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest up to $2.5 billion to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.

Learn more:

B.C. on the Move is available online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

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