Construction on the next phase of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) four-laning through the Village of Chase will start this summer, increasing safety, reliability and efficiency for people living and travelling in the region.

The $32-million contract for the Chase West to Chase Creek Bridge project has been awarded to CIF Construction Ltd. of Prince George. Work is expected to get underway in July 2021 and is anticipated to be complete in fall 2023.

“I’m happy to see this project is one step closer to building a safer, more efficient highway through the Village of Chase,” 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. “Construction of this new section of four-lane highway will bring more employment to the area, support trade and boost the economy. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities.”

Crews will expand 1.6 kilometres of the highway from two to four lanes, with a concrete median barrier that will add protection for people travelling along this segment. The project will add a grade-separated interchange at Brooke Drive and extend improvements on Brooke Drive to Shuswap Avenue. This will be a significant upgrade, and access to Chase will be safer with this new interchange in place.

A new sidewalk along Brooke Drive and a new separated pathway on Chase Creek Bridge will support active transportation for cyclists and pedestrians.

“We are excited to get started on these four-laning upgrades to the Trans-Canada Highway through the Village of Chase, as part of our larger plan of highway improvements from Kamloops to the Alberta border,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The widening of the highway and the grade separated interchange will make this a safer, more reliable route for all drivers, including commercial truck drivers carrying goods. It’s important we keep moving forward on major projects that will spur economic recovery as we move toward significant restart initiatives in the province.” 

Work is already well underway on the Chase Creek Road to Chase West section that will also reduce traffic congestion and improve safety in the region. This project includes 3.3 kilometres of Highway 1 widening with a concrete median barrier, and construction of a pedestrian underpass and multi-use pathway to support active transportation, such as cycling and walking.

About the project:

This project is being delivered through the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). 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. The CBA promotes 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 (BCIB) 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 $220 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.

This project is supported by B.C. Budget 2021, with $837 million being invested in the Trans-Canada Highway four-laning program over the next three years.

During construction, every effort will be made to minimize disruption to local traffic. People travelling the TCH can expect to encounter construction this summer, and it is important to be prepared and plan ahead.

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:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/highway1-kamloops-alberta

Real-time updates will be provided via: www.DriveBC.ca  

For more information on the traffic impacts along the whole corridor, people are encouraged to go to the Trans-Canada Highway four-laning program travel advisories website:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/highway1-kamloops-alberta/highway1-kamloops-alberta-travel-advisories

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.