Several repaving projects, including the resurfacing of over 60 kilometres of Highway 23N, will soon be underway in the Revelstoke area, bringing smoother roads and a more comfortable ride for local motorists, cyclists, tourists and industry, announced Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

“Highway 23N is a heavily used industrial road that sees a high volume of commercial vehicle traffic as well as recreational users,” Stone said. “These much-needed improvements will result in a smoother road surface, which will improve the bottom line for the commercial trucking industry by helping decrease fuel consumption and vehicle wear-and-tear.”

Over 60 kilometres of Highway 23N that winds along the Columbia Lake Reservoir will be resurfaced, from Revelstoke to Downie Creek. As part of this project, an additional 10 kilometres of resurfacing will be undertaken on local side roads.

“The safe movement of commercial vehicles along this corridor is vital to both the economy of the region and to British Columbia,” said Minister of Energy and Mines and MLA for Kootenay East, Bill Bennett. “This project means traffic along Highway 23N will soon benefit from over 60 kilometres of new paving that will mean a better drive for trucks, tourists and local traffic.”

Emil Anderson Construction has been awarded the $6.3-million contract and work is underway. Drivers are encouraged to check Drive BC for the latest information updates at: http://www.drivebc.ca/ or on Twitter @DriveBC.

Other projects in the area include:

A tender is out for new avalanche-mitigation systems on Highway 1 that will shorten the length of closures required for avalanche control activities. Several Remote Avalanche Control (RAC) explosive devices will be installed near Three Valley Gap outside of Revelstoke, allowing for avalanche control on a 24-hour basis throughout the winter. The ministry expects to award the contract in July 2016. This project is part of B.C. on the Move, the B.C. government’s 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network.

South of Revelstoke, a 49-kilometre section of Highway 23 will be seal-coated and rehabilitated, from the Shelter Bay Ferry Terminal to the Big Eddy underpass.

In Golden, 9.4 kilometres of Highway 1 from Forde Station Road to Moberly Branch Road will be resurfaced. In addition, resurfacing of 4.3 kilometres of area side roads in the Blaeberry area, using recycled asphalt, is substantially complete.

Learn more:

Learn more about B.C. on the Move, government’s 10-year transportation plan: http://bit.ly/26snSyr