Crews are working on numerous paving projects in the southern Interior, covering more than 500 kilometres of highways and side roads this year.

“Investment in our transportation infrastructure has never been more important as we recover economically from the pandemic,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We are happy to see crews getting to work on these resurfacing projects. These kinds of investments are providing good-paying jobs for British Columbians and supporting the safe and efficient movement of people and goods that strengthen our economy.”

One of the first resurfacing projects underway began in early May 2021 south of Clearwater - Highway 5 from Blackwater Road to Birch Island and area side roads. Crews will resurface 21 kilometres of Highway 5, plus 18 kilometres of area side roads. Work on this project is expected to be complete this summer.

“All of us driving our Interior roads know that they can see a lot of wear and tear, so these resurfacing projects will be welcome,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “Investments in projects like this will not only make for smoother and more reliable roads for everyone, but make life a little safer in times of need for access or evacuation.”

Another project underway is the Highway 3A Creston to Sanca Creek Bridge resurfacing. In total, 35 kilometres of highway will be resurfaced using hot-in-place resurfacing. Work has started and is expected to be complete in the summer.

Hot-in-place resurfacing is a made-in-B.C. process involving repurposing the existing asphalt by heating, softening and blending it with a small amount of new asphalt before reapplying it to the surface. This method extends the operating life of the road, is faster, saves resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

Other major resurfacing projects taking place in the southern Interior this spring and summer include:

• Highway 26 Wingdam to Barkerville (44 kilometres)
  • ​sealcoating - work is expected to be complete in July
• Highway 23 Downie Creek Bridge to Mica Dam (84 kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in August
• Highway 97 Enterprise Road to 150 Mile House (16 kilometres) and area side roads (two kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in July
• Highway 3 Irishman Creek to Moyie Townsite (14 kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in October
• Highway 97 Williams Lake to McLeese Lake (28 kilometres) and area side roads (11 kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in October
• Likely-Horsefly Road and Horsefly Road (32 kilometres)
  • ​hot-in-place resurfacing - work is expected to be complete in July
• Westside Road, between Fairmont Hot Springs and Invermere, and multiple Fairmont townsite roads (27 kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in October
• Highway 1 Little River to Salmon Arm (24 kilometres), Sunnybrae Road, Little Shuswap Road and multiple area side roads (40 kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in October
• Highway 1 Cache Creek to Walhachin Road and Ashcroft area (31 kilometres) and area side roads (14 kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in October
• Highway 5A Princeton to Aspen Grove (63 kilometres) and Bates Road (six kilometres)
  • ​conventional paving - work is expected to be complete in October
• Highway 24 Bridge Lake North Road to Brake Check (34 kilometres)
  • ​sealcoating - work is expected to be complete in September

More than $70 million is being invested in highway resurfacing and more than $20 million is being spent on side-road improvements in the southern Interior this year.

While highways and roads remain open, travel restrictions for non-essential travel between regions remain in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern.

As these resurfacing projects are taking place, drivers can expect minor delays and, at times, single-lane alternating traffic. Drivers are reminded to obey construction zone speed limits and the direction of traffic control personnel. Updates on delays and closures are available at: www.DriveBC.ca

Learn More:

For more on the various types of resurfacing carried out by the ministry, including overlay, hot-in-place and mill and fill, visit:
https://www.tranbc.ca/2012/08/01/smooth-move-3-common-ways-to-resurface-b-c-highways/

For travel restrictions and precautions due to COVID-19, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/travel/current

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