A $7.3-million contract has been awarded to Knappett Industries of Nanaimo to finish work on the new route that will provide an improved connection between Highway 19 and the community of Courtenay. 

“Awarding the construction contract means we are ready to move into the second phase of work on the North Courtenay Connector project,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “I am pleased to see all the progress being made on one of our key priorities announced in B.C. on the Move that will improve access between the highway and the local community.”

Construction crews plan to return to the site this spring and begin constructing the new, two-lane bridge across the Tsolum River. Workers will also complete the 700-metre-long section of new road, building on the early preparation work done in 2016 by approximately 30 locally hired truck drivers, equipment operators and traffic controllers. 

“As an early advocate of the North Courtenay Connector, it’s great to see the jobs this project has created for Vancouver Islanders and I look forward to using the new route when it is completed later this year,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae.

Work on the $15-million project is expected to be finished in fall 2017. When it opens to traffic, the new route will ensure an efficient and reliable connection for residents, tourists and commercial drivers between Highway 19 and important destinations in the Comox Valley such as the airport, ferry terminal and new Comox Valley Hospital. The project will also provide 1.5-metre-wide paved shoulders between the new bridge and Condensory Road, improving the route for cyclists.

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.

Learn More:

Visit the project website: www.gov.bc.ca/northcourtenayconnector

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