Safety and mobility along Highway 97 just north of Cache Creek will be improved as part of the $200-million third phase of the Cariboo Connector Strategy, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart announced today on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“Widening Highway 97 to four lanes just north of Cache Creek will improve safety on this stretch of highway by providing guaranteed passing for motorists and safer access to businesses at the north end of town. This will alleviate some of the conflict between commercial truckers and other road users near the community,” said Tegart. “This is part of our government’s continued expansion of the Cariboo Connector, which will help grow the economy and create jobs in communities along Highway 97 throughout the Cariboo.”

Engineering design work will start this year to replace the bridge across the Bonaparte River with a new four-lane structure and to widen Highway 97 to four lanes at the north end of the community.

“The commitment from the Province to widen Highway 97 at the north end of the village will be welcome news for Cache Creek residents and business owners,” said Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta. “Highway 97 safety and access have long been important concerns for our community, and we’re excited to see this project take shape.”

In addition to this project north of Cache Creek, the Province has also committed to widen a portion of Highway 97 to four lanes near Knife Creek Road, south of Williams Lake, and design work is underway on a project to four-lane a section of Highway 97 and upgrade the intersection at Highway 97 and the Old Cariboo Highway near Prince George.

The full suite of projects within Phase 3 of the Cariboo Connector Strategy is still in development. It is estimated that over 600 jobs will be created over the duration of this Phase 3 work.  

This $200-million commitment to continue the upgrade of Highway 97 between Cache Creek and Prince George is a key component of B.C. on the Move, the Province’s 10-year transportation plan, and is one of the ways the B.C. government is taking action to strengthen and grow rural communities.

The B.C. government is working with rural British Columbians to help them build, grow and diversify their communities so they can create jobs and remain competitive in today’s rapidly changing economy. In 2016-17 alone, the government invested $3.6 billion in economic development activities targeted at rural B.C. such as improving connectivity and transportation

infrastructure, and supporting Aboriginal people and young adults.

Learn more:

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

For more information on the B.C. Rural Economic Development Strategy: http://ow.ly/28tI309GhrV