Construction on Highway 97 from Williams Lake Indian Reserve No. 1 to Lexington Road will soon be concluding for the season, resulting in a speed limit increase from the current 50 km/h construction zone to 70 km/h.

Through November 2018, crews will be preparing the project for winter shutdown as cooler temperatures do not allow for completion of the remaining work.

The first layer of asphalt paving for this four-laning project was recently completed, but the remaining paving, or “top lift”, cannot take place until warmer temperatures return late next spring.

Two paved lanes will remain open throughout the project area this fall and winter. Although drivers may see four paved lanes, not all of the safety elements are completed to allow these additional lanes to be used at this time.

The remaining four to six weeks of work required to complete the project will begin late next spring, once seasonal load restrictions are removed from the side roads supporting the project. Work will include paving completion, installation of additional guardrails and signage, as well as grass seeding and landscaping.

People’s patience is appreciated while this work is carried out. Drivers are reminded that even though work will soon be halting for the season, they should obey the posted speed and use caution while travelling through the work area.

Learn More:

For more information on this project, which includes 6.2 kilometres of highway widening to four lanes and several intersection improvements, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/cariboo-connector/phase-2/williams-lake-i-r-to-lexington