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TCH east of Chase to be upgraded

Feds, province chip in $90 million for work to begin in 2019.
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Adams Lake Indian Band Councillor Greg Witzky, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone, Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson and Chase Mayor Rick Berrigan gather March 31 for the federal-provincial funding announcement.- Image credit: Ministry of Transportation photo.

An improvement of three kilometres of Highway #1 east of Chase is expected to begin in 2019.

On Friday, March 31, the federal and provincial governments announced a joint investment of more than $92.6 million to expand and upgrade a section of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Chase.

Work will include expanding a 3.1-kilometre stretch of highway from two lanes to four between Chase and Jade Mountain, upgrading the bridge at Chase Creek and constructing access improvements at Shuswap Avenue East, Mattey’s Road and Coburn Street.

Design of the project is ongoing, says a government news release, while consultation with First Nations and engagement with community stakeholders continues. Construction is expected to start in 2019 and be finished by 2021.

Once completed, the project is expected to improve safety, access and traffic flow for local residents, tourists and commercial drivers.

Federal minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, remarked: “Expanding Highway 1 from Chase to Jade Mountain will allow Canadians to spend less time on the road and more time with their families and make it easier for businesses to get their goods to markets. The Government of Canada is pleased to contribute to this important project. Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help address congestion and bottlenecks along vital rail and highway corridors, and around transportation hubs and ports.”

Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, also commented.

“This investment into improvements east of Chase will help ensure the Trans-Canada Highway is safer, less congested, and has more passing opportunities for all who travel it, including the First Nations communities, regional commuters, local residents, tourists and commercial drivers.”