Summary

• Construction tender awarded to TwinCon Enterprises Ltd. for three new chain-up areas on highways 37 and 37A
• New infrastructure near Meziadin Junction, Bell I and Windy Hill to improve winter safety
• Part of the $195-million Northwest Corridor Improvement Program, jointly funded by B.C. and Canada

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The Province has awarded a contract to TwinCon Enterprises Ltd. for $4.52 million to build three new chain-up areas along highways 37 and 37A, improving safety and reliability for travellers and commercial drivers in northwestern B.C.

“Highway 37 is a vital transportation corridor for northern communities, industry and visitors travelling through northwestern B.C.,” said Mike Farnworth, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Transit. “These new chain-up areas will give commercial vehicle drivers safer places to prepare for challenging winter conditions, helping reduce incidents, improve reliability, and keep people and goods moving safely throughout the region.”

The project will enhance the Windy Hill chain-up area and provide new chain-up facilities near Meziadin Junction and the Bell 1 rest area. Construction is anticipated to be substantially complete in fall 2026.

Improving highway safety in northwestern B.C.

The new chain-up locations will provide safe, paved pullouts near steep grades where drivers can install and remove tire chains. Some sites will offer rest-area amenities, such as garbage cans and toilets, supporting drivers and passengers in personal commercial vehicles.

These improvements are expected to support vehicles by improving their traction and reducing winter-related incidents, while minimizing traffic delays, road closures and the need for emergency response.

The project is part of the Northwest Corridor Improvements Program, which includes a series of upgrades along highways 37, 37A and 51 to improve safety and support the development of critical mining resources in northwestern B.C.

These improvements were identified from input gathered from First Nations, local governments, communities and industry through the Highway 37 and 37A Corridor Study.

Supporting a growing corridor

In addition to the chain-up areas, the Northwest Corridor Improvement Program includes:

• installation of Wi-Fi at various rest areas
• new passing opportunities
• widening sections of highway along the corridor

The total program cost is estimated at $195 million, including $120 million from the Province and close to $75 million from Natural Resources Canada through the First and Last Mile Fund (formerly the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund).

The Province continues to engage with First Nations along the corridor, including Gitanyow, Tahltan, Nisga’a and Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha, supporting meaningful engagement, shared economic opportunities and reconciliation.

The ministry began implementing projects in 2025, with program completion anticipated by 2030. This chain-up project represents the first in a series of major projects to be delivered over the coming years.

Quotes:

Tim Hodgson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources –

“Canada is building the infrastructure we need to unlock our critical-minerals advantage and connect our economy from coast to coast to coast. Investments like this one are strengthening transportation corridors in northern British Columbia for families and businesses, helping projects move forward faster and connecting Canadian resources to global markets. By working in partnership with provinces and Indigenous communities, we are building infrastructure that supports good jobs, economic growth and Canada’s long-term energy and economic security.”

Jagrup Brar, B.C.’s Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals –

“Highway 37 is a vital corridor for northwestern B.C.’s globally recognized mining and critical minerals sector. Investments like this help connect communities and support resource projects, while providing the infrastructure needed to move development forward. By strengthening this corridor, we are creating opportunities, supporting good jobs and building a stronger B.C.” 

Joel Starlund, executive director, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs –

“Gitanyow welcomes these investments in Highway 37 and the continued partnership with the Province to improve transportation infrastructure throughout our territory. Through ongoing collaboration, we have made significant progress in ensuring that improvements reflect the needs of our communities, while supporting safer travel for everyone who relies on this growing corridor. The new chain-up areas, improved amenities and expanded connectivity will help reduce the risk of accidents, improve emergency response and provide important communications access in remote areas, including supporting efforts to address concerns around missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. These upgrades will also help reduce the risk of spills and other incidents that can impact the lands, waters and wildlife that are central to Gitanyow’s culture and way of life, demonstrating that economic development, public safety and environmental stewardship can move forward together.”

Quick Facts:

• The improved transportation network is expected to support access to mineral projects in the Golden Triangle, one of Canada’s most significant mineral development regions.
• Each direct mining job is estimated to create two or more additional jobs in mining supply and service companies throughout B.C.
• Remote Wi-Fi installation at rest areas will provide free, reliable internet for travellers on Highway 37 and Highway 37A.

Learn More:

• Northwest Corridor Improvements Program:
  https://www.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/northwest-corridor-improvements  
• Highway 37 Corridor Planning Study:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/transportation-reports-and-reference/reports-studies/north/h37-corridor-planning-study
• Government of Canada Critical Minerals Strategy:
  https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/critical-minerals-in-canada/canadas-critical-minerals-strategy.html