The B.C. government has announced 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 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.
A government news release states 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.
The total cost of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is $61.6 million. The federal government is contributing a maximum of $26.9 million through the Building Canada Fund. The B.C. government will invest $34.7 million.
The first phase of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project is already underway and includes approximately 2.8 kilometres of four-laning.