Slope stabilization at Ten Mile Slide on Highway 99 is complete, improving the long-term safety and reliability for people travelling the highway northeast of Lillooet.
“As a result of the collaborative work between the Province and Xaxli’p on this geotechnically complex project, the Ten Mile slope is now stable with a safe, two-lane highway open through the site,” said B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming. “I thank Xaxli’p, area residents, commercial drivers and others for their patience as we worked to ensure safer and more reliable travel through the area for years to come.”
Ten Mile Slide is located within Xaxli’p’s Fountain Indian Reserve, approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Lillooet. This stretch of highway has experienced ongoing slide activity for several decades.
The Province and Xaxli’p worked collaboratively throughout all phases of the project and are gratified to see it reach completion after decades of ongoing slide activity.
“Xaxli’p Chief and Council are very pleased that the Ten Mile Slide Stabilization Project has come to a completion,” said Xaxli’p Chief Colleen Jacob. “It has been a long process dating back decades, as current and previous Xaxli’p leadership worked with the ministry to identify a more long-term solution to the ongoing movement of this large tunnel earthflow. It is our intent that this has greatly improved the safety and reliability of the road for all, including Xaxli’p, all surrounding St’at’imc and Lillooet communities, and the many travellers who access this route. We would like to extend our thanks to all the workers of Xaxli’p Development Corporation, Flatiron, local businesses and the ministry, who have helped to ensure the safety of the people through the construction.”
To stabilize the slope, 148 concrete and composite piles were installed below the highway to support the road and prevent further movement, and 276 soil anchors were placed above the highway. The road was then reconstructed to two lanes to allow for safe and efficient travel. Approximately 40 local workers were hired to help construct the project.
“The District of Lillooet is pleased to hear about the completion of the Ten Mile Slide Project,” said Peter Busse, mayor of Lillooet. “The load restriction, now lifted, will significantly lessen the impact economically for the transport of goods in and out of our area. We extend our appreciation to Xaxli’p for working with the Province on this important work in their territory. This was a very significant technical project with a leading-edge design, and we were most fortunate that the chosen contractors were of the calibre. The contractors, together with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure engineering team, offered a high degree of success in delivering this project, maintaining the integrity of this important piece of highway that will carry us well into the future.”
Minor ground settlement of the rebuilt highway is expected to occur. The gravel surface will remain for approximately two years until the site fully settles, at which time the highway will be paved.
Featured image: Slope stabilization at Ten Mile Slide on Highway 99 is complete, improving the long-term safety and reliability for people travelling the highway northeast of Lillooet (BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure)
