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B.C. expanding section of Trans-Canada Highway to four lanes

A 4.3 kilometre stretch of Highway 1 — the Trans-Canada Highway — is being widened from two lanes to four in the Shuswap region of British Columbia.

The construction, stretching from Ford Road to Tappen Valley Road, got the green light from the province after it approved funding for the $243.1 million project. Ottawa is contributing $82.1 million with B.C. kicking in $161 million.

The project is expected to go to tender in early 2022.

“Safe and efficient transportation networks support trade, a strong regional economy and local jobs,” said Ken Hardie, MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

“The provincial funds being announced today, in addition to the $82.1 million previously announced by the Government of Canada for the four-laning project in the Shuswap region, will ensure residents, visitors and all traffic coming through this area benefit from a modern and safe highway infrastructure for years to come.”

Location of project

The project is located through Little Shuswap Lake Band IR#5. The project will improve the safety of access on and off the Trans-Canada Highway and will improve connections within the Little Shuswap Lake community.

“Our community has been working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for over five years to improve safety and infrastructure for our membership,” said Kukpi7 Arnouse, Little Shuswap Lake Band.

“We are pleased to see the project moving forward.”

A new eastbound commercial carrier pullout will be built, which will benefit commercial drivers who travel along this route. Also, wider shoulders and the frontage road system will support cyclists, pedestrians and people using other modes of active transportation.

“Investment in our infrastructure has never been more important as we work together to recover from COVID-19,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.‘s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The four-laning of the highway, the new commercial truck pullout and other improvements will increase safety and connections through the Little Shuswap Lake community and make this a safer, more reliable route for all drivers, including commercial truck drivers carrying essential goods.”

Upgrading the highway to a modern, 100 km/h, four-lane standard will allow traffic to move more safely and efficiently. Communities will be better connected, and businesses will be better able to move their products throughout the province and through B.C.’s ports.

More to come

B.C. has committed $837 million to upgrading Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border over the next three years under Budget 2021.

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 also 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 is responsible for implementing the CBA for the project and will be the employer for the skilled trades workforce on the project.

For more information visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/highway1-kamloops-alberta