PRINCETON – Today, the governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a funding commitment to improve safety along five kilometres of Highway 3 west of Princeton. The project involves relocating and straightening the highway to remove two sharp curves, and adding a passing lane in each direction.

This realignment project will help reduce collisions, create safer passing opportunities, improve traffic flow and provide better driving conditions between Sunday Creek and Sunday Summit on Highway 3.

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada is setting aside up to $10,342,500 for this project through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component. This funding is conditional on the project meeting applicable federal eligibility requirements with respect to the Building Canada Fund and the signing of a contribution agreement.
• The Province of British Columbia is providing $17,307,500, for a total project cost of $27.65 million.
• The project is located on Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, approximately 100 kilometres east of Hope and 30 kilometres west of Princeton.
• These improvements are part of the Province’s B.C. on the Move initiative, a new 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network providing a comprehensive road map for transportation investments and strategic policy actions over the next decade.

Quotes:

Dan Albas, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and MP for Okanagan Coquihalla –

“The realignment of Highway 3 just south of Princeton will make travel safer and more efficient for all motorists. Our government is pleased to support this significant project as we focus on creating jobs, promoting growth and building strong, safe, prosperous communities across Canada.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“Through B.C. on the Move, the Province’s new 10-year transportation plan, we’re prioritizing projects that improve the safety and capacity of our network. This partnership to improve to this section of Highway 3 will be welcome news for everyone who relies on the Hope-Princeton corridor.”

Jackie Tegart, MLA for Fraser-Nicola –

“The Hope-Princeton highway is essential to the provincial economy, and these improvements will benefit residential and recreational travellers as well as commercial and resource industry drivers.”

Lawrence Chernoff, mayor of Castlegar and chair of the Highway 3 Mayors’ and Chairs’ Coalition –

“As chair of the Highway 3 Mayors’ Coalition, I am extremely pleased by the announced project that will continue to improve our vital Highway 3 corridor in Southern B.C. The Province and Canada are demonstrating a strong commitment to southern British Columbia through the joint funding of this project. We look forward to seeing the many benefits including increased safety and increased employment opportunities that this and other Highway 3 improvements will make to Southern British Columbia.” 

Frank Armitage, mayor of Princeton –

“I believe that the Highway 3 improvement project, Sunday Creek to Sunday Summit section, is another example of the Province of British Columbia’s commitment to making our destination a safer and more comfortable driving experience. The improvements will undoubtedly enhance our Town’s ability to attract tourists, make it safer for residents to travel west especially in the winter, and enhance the Town’s position as a significant transportation hub.”

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.

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada’s Economic Action Plan at: http://www.budget.gc.ca/efp-peb/2014/home-accueil-eng.html.

Learn more about B.C. on the Move at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

Follow the work of the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca