Improving the safety and reliability of the Cariboo Connector between Cache Creek and Prince George remains a priority for the Province of British Columbia, with the final section of four-laning and intersection improvements of Phase 2 going out to tender, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“In B.C. on the Move, we committed to completing the final four projects in Phase 2 of the Cariboo Connector Upgrade Project,” said Stone. “With this final project now out to tender, we’re delivering on our promise to improve the Highway 97 corridor. This project will see improvements made to the Williams Lake area, with a section of Highway 97 widened to four lanes as well as intersection improvements. These changes will bring safer conditions and reduce traffic congestion in the community of Williams Lake.”

A 1.5-kilometre section of Highway 97 will be widened from three lanes to four lanes between Carson Drive and Toop Road within Williams Lake. Intersection improvements will be made to the Highway 97/Carson Drive intersection and the Toop Road intersection. These improvements will reduce potential collisions with vehicles at Carson Drive and 11th Avenue and reduce potential collisions from vehicles decelerating to turn off of Highway 97. In addition, a multi-use path will be constructed, and improvements will be made to McKinnon Road, 11th Avenue North and Broadway Avenue North.

“Rural communities like Williams Lake are the backbone of our province, which is why it is important to ensure our transportation networks are safe, efficient and benefit the communities they serve,” said Minister of State for Rural Economic Development and MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin Donna Barnett. “Our government is committed to working with local governments to identify future project priorities to improve safety through communities like Williams Lake.”

“We have made good progress with Phase 2 construction, with six projects completed, two in construction and this final project now out to tender with completion scheduled for fall of 2018,” said Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes. “Safety improvements along the Highway 97 corridor will continue to be prioritized as part of the Cariboo Connector Upgrade Project.”

“The City of Williams Lake is pleased that the final project of Phase 2 of the Cariboo Connector will now be going to tender,” said Mayor of Williams Lake Walt Cobb. “We have been preparing for this important project for a couple of years, and look forward to the construction and improvements to Williams Lake’s safety and access. There will be some traffic disruptions during construction but we are looking forward to the significant benefits to both locals and visitors.”

The City of Williams Lake is contributing $2 million to support construction on the connecting streets, including the multi-use path and bike path, pedestrian underpass, traffic signal, retaining walls, upgrades to municipal utilities, landscaping and traffic management.

Construction is anticipated to start this spring with completion estimated for fall of 2018.

Learn More:

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

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