B.C. has awarded a $37.7-million contract to a Prince George company to reconstruct washed-out sections of the heavily-damaged West Fraser Road.
Enviro-Ex Contracting Ltd. is set to work, rebuild and realign a stretch of more than five kilometres, beginning this spring, improving the lives of people in the region by creating a safer, more reliable road and bridge.
"Since flooding washed out West Fraser Road in spring 2018, we've been actively working on a long-term solution," said Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in a news release this morning (March 11).
"Construction is anticipated to begin next month on a new alignment that will restore direct access to Quesnel and provide a reliable route for people who live and work in the area."
Along with a new two-lane bridge over Narcosli Creek, 5.6 km of paved two-lane road will be constructed on a new alignment on the east side of the creek.
When completed, the new West Fraser Road will bypass the active slide areas along the washed-out portions and improve the safety and efficiency of the roadway.
Construction is anticipated to begin in April and finish in fall 2023.
?Esdilagh First Nation has an agreement with the ministry to clear the site in preparation for major road construction, the provincial government adds.
"The logging works underway began in February 2021. As well, the banks of Narcosli Creek will be protected with riprap (large rocks) to prevent further damage from the coming spring freshet, and that work is underway through hired local equipment."
In April 2018, high water from the spring freshet caused Narcosli Creek to erode five sections of West Fraser Road on the west side of the Fraser River, approximately 17 km south of Quesnel.
The road was forced to close due to the severity of the damage.
Up to 150 vehicles a day normally use West Fraser Road to access the ?Esdilagh First Nation community, ranches, logging activities, farming lands and local residences. Since the washout, people have used a detour route via the Garner and Webster Lake road system, which has added significant travel time.
Upon completion of the project, Emergency Management BC will submit a claim to the federal government for partial reimbursement through Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.
