More work will get underway this spring through Chase on the next phase of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) four-laning, a project that is increasing safety, reliability and efficiency for people living and travelling in the region.

The tender has been issued for the Chase Creek West to Chase Creek Bridge section. This project will widen 1.6 kilometres of the highway from two to four lanes, add a grade-separated interchange at Brooke Drive and extend improvements on Brooke Drive to Shuswap Avenue. Construction on this segment will begin later this spring and is anticipated to be complete in fall 2023.

“This project also creates good local jobs and supports an important trade corridor, which will help Canadian businesses and boost the economy,” said the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It’s great to see advances in this four-laning project near Chase as part of B.C.’s larger initiative to improve traffic flow and safety on Highway 1 from Kamloops to the Alberta border.”

Work is already well underway on the Chase Creek Road to Chase West section, which will also reduce traffic congestion and improve safety in the region. It includes upgrades to highway intersections and frontage roads, along with construction of a pedestrian underpass and multi-use pathway.

“Improving this section of the Trans-Canada Highway by four-laning will increase the safety, reliability and capacity of the highway and will benefit everyone who travels this busy route, including commercial truck drivers,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We’ve also included walking and cycling paths to create a more livable and sustainable community that provides long-term benefits to people’s health and well-being.” 

This project is being delivered through the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). The CBA is designed to maximize opportunities to develop and grow the skilled labour workforce in the province.

The CBA prioritizes hiring and rehiring local workers, Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and members of other under-represented groups who are qualified to do the work in a safe, respectful environment. It increases opportunities for apprentices to work on site and gain the experience they need to move toward completing their certification. British Columbia Infrastructure Benefits is responsible for implementing the CBA for the project and will be the employer for the skilled trades workforce on the project.

The total budget for the Chase four-laning project is $260.3 million. This includes up to $12.1 million from the Government of Canada under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund.

During construction, every effort will be made to minimize disruption to local traffic. Updates will be provided via: www.DriveBC.ca

Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include physical distancing and other protocols to ensure worker and public safety.                 

Learn More:

Highway 1 four-laning program: http://www.bchwy1.ca

Job opportunities for the Chase four-laning project: https://www.bcib.ca/

For more information on federal infrastructure funding, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, visit: www.DriveBC.ca
Or @DriveBC on Twitter. (drivebc.ca)

For travel restrictions and precautions due to COVID-19, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/drivingandcycling/travellerinformation/travel-affected-by-covid-19