Improvements to Big White Rd. are a year ahead of schedule

Photo: Michael J. Ballingall

If you're heading up to Big White be prepared for a smoother ride, at least once the road work is complete.

Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President at Big White Ski Resort tells Castanet, "paving has commenced on the Big White Rd. accessing Big White Mountain, and the Village of Big White Ski Resort. Please drive with due care and caution and respect and obey all road signs and flagging personnel."

The work is underway now and is expected to be finished by the weekend.

Ballingall says he's "over the moon happy" because the condition of the road was one of the biggest complaints Big White would receive from guests and residents.

"This project wasn't supposed to be done until next year but the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure was already working on Highway 33 and they decided to do the work this year and we couldn't be happier about it," Ballingall says.

Ballingall says the road was originally built by Cliff Serwa and Douglas Mervyn more than 50 years ago, "and it's pretty much on the same alignment that they built 55 years ago with a bulldozer, no laser sighters back then. Just a couple of guys hopping through the bush cutting down trees and saying, OK this is where the roads going. It's got a great history to it"

Ballingall says Big White is preparing for this year's ski season and the improvements to the road are a major improvement.

"I know I speak on behalf of all users of the highest tourism road in British Columbia when I say that your efforts are greatly appreciated."