More 4-laning for Trans-Canada

A $23.4-million contract has been awarded to Emil Anderson Construction Inc. of Kelowna to four-lane a section of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Kamloops.

The second phase of the Pritchard to Hoffman's Bluff project will widen 3.1 kilometres of Highway 1 from two to four lanes, improving safety through one of the most challenging sections of the route.

Photo: Contributed - gov.bc.ca

Work is anticipated to begin in spring and be finished by the fall of 2016. Once complete, there will be 16 kilometres of new four-laning on the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and Chase, as a result of the Monte Creek to Pritchard and the Pritchard to Hoffman's Bluff projects.

Phase 2 follows consultation with local First Nations and includes an agreement for construction through the Neskonlith Indian Band's reserve near Hoffman's Bluff.

The total cost of the project is $61.6 million. The federal government is contributing $26.9 million and the provincial government $34.7 million. The first phase of the project is underway and includes 2.8 kilometres of four-lane highway due for completion in June.

The project is part of a commitment to invest $650 million over 10 years into Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border.

Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, said the widening "will have long-lasting benefits for the communities and businesses along this heavily-used highway ... and will make driving safer for everyone in the region."

Chief Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith Indian Band said, "Safety has been an ongoing concern for the Trans-Canada Highway. The four-laning directly involves our communities in various studies, contractual work and most importantly in the protection of our cultural sites and ancestral burial landform.... Direct involvement in planning, design and construction along with recognition of our title/rights and people is key."