Driving along Highway 97 south from Prince George is set to be a smoother commute in the next year.
The B.C. government announced Friday (July 10) a pair of resurfacing projects will commence later this summer between Lac La Hache and 100 Mile House, scheduled to be completed by June 2021, to improve public safety for all kinds of drivers.
Residents, businesses and local communities were of top priority when giving the project the green light, according to Transportation Minister Claire Trevena.
“This project will improve the safety and reliability of this important corridor for 100 Mile House area residents and travellers,” said Trevena in a news release.
“This is something that the community has asked for and we are pleased to deliver on it.”
The first resurfacing route stretches roughly 10 km from Campbell Road in 100 Mile House to Canim-Hendrix Lake Road, north of the district.
The second will see nearly 25 km of road upgraded and fine-tuned from Begg Road to Enterprise Road through Lac La Hache, B.C.’s longest town.
Traffic is set to be single-lane alternating once construction begins with some minor delays, and drivers are being asked to slow down and follow speed limits when travelling through the two South Cariboo communities.
These Highway 97 sections are said to be ‘nearing the end of its service life’ and the province believes repaving will reduce costs of future maintenance.
“Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the release adds.
“These measures include physical distancing and other protocols to ensure worker and public safety.”
