Work is set to get underway shortly on a project to stabilize Ten Mile Slide on Highway 99.

This work will improve the long-term safety and reliability at one of the most technically challenging sites to maintain in the province.

“We understand the impact highway conditions have had on the Xaxli’p community, the tourism industry and local businesses,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “I would like to thank Xaxli’p for working closely with the ministry to advance this project, which will mean safer travel through the area for years to come.”

Ten Mile Slide, which is located within Xaxli’p’s Fountain Indian Reserve, is approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Lillooet on Highway 99. This stretch of highway has experienced ongoing slide activity for several decades. Highway 99, which is vital to the local and regional economy, acts as the primary connector between Lillooet and Kamloops.

The Phase 2 main stabilization work includes the installation of tied-back concrete and composite piles below the highway, 200 soil anchors above the highway and reconstruction of the highway to two lanes with a guardrail.

The main stabilization contract was recently awarded to Flatiron Constructors Canada Limited and the work is expected to be completed in spring 2021. Ministry staff will continue to monitor the slide for approximately two years before paving the new section of two-lane highway.

Phase 1, which was completed in February 2019, included the installation of 44 soil anchors. Following the work and geotechnical assessments, the load restrictions were increased to 27,000 kg GVW.

Consultation with Xaxli’p, other stakeholders and the public has been ongoing throughout the process and will continue until the $60-million project is completed.

During construction, drivers can expect delays and temporary closures. Motorists should slow down and use caution when travelling through the work area.

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, people should continue to check @DriveBC on Twitter and: DriveBC.ca

Quick Facts:

• Traffic volumes through this section of Highway 99 are roughly 1,600 vehicles per day.
• Approximately 19% of the traffic volumes are heavy vehicles, which is approximately 300 trucks per day.
• The ministry typically invests between $240,000 and $2.3 million annually to maintain the highway through the Ten Mile Slide area.

Learn More:

For more information on this important stability work on Highway 99, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-infrastructure/projects/highway-99-ten-mile-slide?keyword=tenampkeyword=mileampkeyword=slide​