Work will soon begin to stabilize a geotechnically challenging hillside along Highway 97 south of Taylor.

This slope stabilization will prepare the corridor for future highway expansion and improve reliability of a route important to people in the Northeast.

“This geotechnical work will reduce the risk of slides and potential highway closures, ensuring Highway 97 remains a safe, reliable route for people in Taylor and throughout the Northeast,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This slope stabilization work is also necessary for the future expansion of Highway 97 at South Taylor Hill.”

Work will include excavation, improving drainage and embedding soil anchors on the slope beside Highway 97, approximately 4.5 kilometres south of Taylor. The site will then undergo significant testing to ensure its long-term stability, which will help prepare the site for any future expansion in this geotechnically complex area.

The $6.5-million contract for this stabilization work was awarded to Greenfield Construction Ltd. of New Brunswick, which will begin work in the coming weeks. Completion of the contract is expected by fall 2020.

During construction, people travelling through the work area can expect minor periodic delays.

To date, the first two kilometres of South Taylor Hill have been expanded to four lanes, truck chain up/chain off areas are complete, and the Highway 97 intersections at Big Bam and Johnson roads have been upgraded.

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