Work is underway on a new rest area on South Taylor Hill, providing a safe and convenient place for commercial truck drivers and tourists to stop and rest along this stretch of Highway 97, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“Having a safe, clean place to stop and rest is very important for truck drivers and the general public who are on the road for long hours,” said Stone. “This is particularly true for the commercial drivers who travel this very challenging part of Highway 97 regularly, so the new South Taylor Hill rest area will be very welcome news.”

The rest area, located within the newly-expanded truck pullout area at the top of South Taylor Hill, will include a fully operational washroom facility and picnic tables, as well as room for several transport trucks and non-commercial vehicles.

“Northern British Columbia covers a vast area, and travel times can be high,” said Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier. “This geographic reality makes convenient rest areas all the more important for motorists’ safety and comfort.”

This project is part of the Provincial Trucking Strategy in B.C. on the Move, the Province’s 10-year transportation plan. The ministry is investing $9 million to upgrade rest areas over three years with new locations and additional lighting, upgraded buildings, improved accessibility, and increased capacity for commercial truck parking at existing facilities.

A contract for $974,000 was awarded to IDL Projects of Prince George. Work began this month and is expected to be completed by the spring.