Two projects are set to get underway this paving season that will provide smoother, safer access, and extend the life of the road surface on Highway 3 near Princeton.

“Highway 3 is an important west-east travel route in British Columbia and this resurfacing work will benefit residents, businesses, commercial drivers, and tourists, while protecting our infrastructure at the same time,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

West of Princeton, 13 kilometres of Highway 3 near Allison Pass will be repaired and then resurfaced using the ‘mill-and-fill’ technique. As well, 21 kilometres from Princeton east to Bromley Rock Provincial Park will be resurfaced using hot-in-place recycle paving.

“As a result of this investment, travellers along the highway will have a smoother, safer ride,” said Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart.

Peter’s Bros. Construction Ltd. of Penticton was the successful bidder for both projects and has been awarded a $5.33-million contract for the mill-and-fill resurfacing, and a $1.98-million contract for the hot-in-place recycle paving.

“These resurfacing projects are key to keeping Highway 3 in top condition for commercial traffic, local residents and tourists,” said Boundary Similkameen MLA Linda Larson.

Work on both projects will begin later this paving season and be completed by fall 2017. During construction, crews will make every effort to ensure traffic delays related to construction are kept minimal. Some single-lane alternating will be required and drivers are reminded to obey traffic-control personnel and construction speed limits, and watch for workers and message boards.

Rehabilitating highways, bridges and side roads is a key priority in B.C. on the Move, the Province’s 10-year transportation plan. Over the next three years, the ministry and its partners are investing over $4.6 billion in priority transportation investments as part of this plan.

Quick Facts:

• Hot-in-place recycle paving produces up to 50% fewer emissions than conventional paving, as it reuses and recycles the existing asphalt material right on the project site. This made-in-British Columbia technology has been used to rehabilitate the top layer of asphalt since 1986.
• Mill-and-fill resurfacing is used when the pavement surface has deteriorated to the point where cracks, stresses and structural defects have made their way below the surface. Paving crews remove the damaged asphalt by grinding it off, and then compacting in fresh asphalt using the left-over milled asphalt.
• Both these methods help extend the asphalt life cycle. Hot-in-place recycle paving lasts an average of 8 to 12 years, while mill-and-fill resurfacing projects can last approximately 15 to 18 years.

Learn More:

For up-to-date traffic advisories, visit: www.drivebc.ca

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