Road improvements totalling $9 million will get underway this spring in B.C. that will result in safer conditions in the Cariboo communities of Quesnel, Barkerville and surrounding areas.  

“Communities like Quesnel serve as a hub for industrial traffic accessing heavy-haul routes like the Barkerville Highway,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “That’s why it is important we strengthen and hard-surface these rural highways that will result in safer conditions for the resource sector and the traveling public.”

The ministry has committed $7 million toward resurfacing Highway 26 from Wingdam to Barkerville. This project will see 30 kilometres of pavement resurfaced with advanced crushing getting underway this year. In addition, $2 million will be invested in local Quesnel area side roads. Over 15 kilometres of side roads will be rehabilitated:

• 3.2 km of Blackwater Road west of Quesnel
• 7.5 km of Tibbles Road located off the Nazko, and
• 5.0 km of the Dragon Lake Road in the Quesnel area. 

“These side-road resurfacing projects within the Cariboo area will provide improved safety and mobility for local traffic, and will also see heavy-haul routes like the Barkerville Highway upgraded to better serve the commercial and resource sectors,” said MLA for Cariboo North Coralee Oakes. “With this investment the Province of British Columbia is furthering its ongoing commitment to improve access to world-class tourism destinations such as the Barkerville Historic Town and Park.”

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

This $9 million to upgrade roads in the Quesnel, Barkerville and surrounding areas is one of the key ways the B.C. government is taking action to strengthen and grow rural communities. To further support the needs of rural communities and grow local economies, the Province will be releasing a Rural Economic Development Strategy today.

Learn more:

B.C. on the Move is available online: www.gov.bc.ca/bconthemove