Work is almost complete on the project to increase the clearance at two consecutive CN Rail overheads on Highway 5 at Tete Jaune Cache, about 18 kilometres north of Valemount, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“This project supports the commitment in our B.C. on the Move plan to keep people and cargo moving on our roads and highways,” said Stone. “Increasing the clearance at these two CNR overheads will make a significant difference for truckers carrying larger loads along this corridor; having a positive impact on the local, regional and provincial economies.”

The project will increase the vertical clearance of the two CN Rail overheads from 4.8 metres to 5.35 metres. This will improve the capacity for taller commercial transport vehicles that use this corridor on the route between B.C. and Alberta.

This follows two similar projects done on Highway 97 to increase clearances at the West Pine and East Pine CN Rail overheads to over five metres. As opposed to replacing the overpass, the road is lowered to gain the increased clearance.

“B.C.’s commercial transport industry is seeing an increasing demand to transport taller and heavier loads,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “Highway 5 is very busy with commercial traffic and this investment will help keep our economy moving while increasing safety for residents and tourists.”

The project will be completed early – the original completion date was late September. Trucks are now able to use the route. Paving will be done within the next week.

The B.C. Trucking Association provided input into the project.

“The completion of this project to increase the vertical clearance at two CN Rail overhead locations on Highway 5 is very welcome news for our members,” said BC Trucking Association president & CEO Louise Yako. “These improvements will have real, tangible benefits for our industry by helping our members move our goods more efficiently and safely along this key corridor.”

This project is part of B.C. on the Move, the B.C. government’s 10-year transportation plan to improve the province’s transportation network.

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