Trans-Canada Highway construction near Chase this summer

Construction on the Trans-Canada Highway four-laning project will continue  this summer, with crews working to improve safety and efficiency from Chase Creek Road to Chase West.

In a statement released Friday, May 1, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said a tender has been issued for the project, and highlighted the importance of moving forward with major projects to help spur economic recovery and help build out of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“This project, delivered under our Community Benefits Agreement, will ensure local workers are employed and that communities will benefit during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Minister of Transportation Claire Trevena.

Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place that follow the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include reducing in-person meetings and gatherings, holding meetings outdoors and ensuring physical distancing of workers throughout the work day. These measures, along with other work protocols such as daily cleaning and sanitizing of common areas and surfaces, will help ensure worker and public safety.

Along with widening 3.3 kilometres of highway with a central median barrier, work on this project also includes:

* at-grade protected T-intersection at both Chase Creek Road and Shuswap Avenue;

* a grade separated pedestrian crossing and multi-use pathway to link the Neskonlith Indian Band and the Village of Chase communities;

* a cattle underpass to comply with Agricultural Land Commission requirements; and

* conversion of the existing highway to frontage road to consolidate access.

Once the contract is awarded through an open bidding process, work is expected to begin late this summer.