KAMLOOPS – The second and final phase of a project to improve one of the most-challenging sections of the Trans-Canada Highway between Pritchard and Hoffman’s Bluff will proceed to tender next week.

This 3.1-kilometre section of Highway 1 will widen from two to four lanes, improving the safety and reliability of this important route.

In combination with the first phase of Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff and the adjacent Monte Creek to Pritchard projects currently under construction, these improvements will result in an additional 16 kilometres of new four-laning on the Trans-Canada Highway between Kamloops and Chase.

The construction tender is expected to be awarded by the end of 2014. Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2015 and be completed by the fall of 2016.

The project follows extensive consultation with local First Nations and includes an agreement for construction through the Neskonlith Indian Band’s reserve near Hoffman’s Bluff.

Quick Facts:

• The total cost of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is $61.6 million. The Government of Canada is contributing a maximum of $26.9 million through the Building Canada Fund. The Government of B.C. will invest $34.7 million for this highway safety improvement.
• The first phase of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is already underway and includes approximately 2.8 kilometres of four-laning.
• The Highway 1 Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to invest $650 million over 10 years into Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border.
• The Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program will create 3,300 direct jobs over the duration of the 10-year program.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Building Canada Fund–Major Infrastructure Component (MIC), visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html

Learn more about B.C.’s Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/highwayprojects/bchwy1/