The government of British Columbia is moving forward with major improvements to expand Highway 1 that will include the replacement of the Salmon River Bridge and a multi-use pathway for cyclists.
The tender has been issued for the 1st Avenue SW to 10th Avenue SW four-laning project, which will expand this section of Highway 1 and make it safer for all travellers, including commercial truck drivers.
“Our historic investments in infrastructure are helping create jobs in the short term and build safer, more efficient roadways for years to come,” said Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It’s great to see that this important work in Salmon Arm will be getting under way soon as part of B.C.’s initiative to improve traffic flow and safety on Highway 1 from Kamloops to the Alberta border. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a better, more prosperous British Columbia and Canada.”
Once the contract is awarded through an open bidding process, work is expected to begin in fall 2020. Along with widening of Highway 1 to four lanes with concrete median barrier, work on this segment of the Salmon Arm West project will include:
- replacement of the Salmon River Bridge;
- construction of an interchange with frontage road connections at 1st Avenue SW;
- construction of frontage roads to consolidate access to and from Highway 1; and
- a multi-use pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized users.
“It’s important we keep moving forward on major projects that will spur economic recovery,” said Claire Trevena, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “This project is delivered under our Community Benefits Agreement and will ensure local workers are employed and that communities will benefit.”
The Community Benefits Agreement prioritizes hiring local workers, including Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and other under-represented groups who are qualified to do the work, in a safe, welcoming work environment.
“As we deliver this project that will keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently, we continue to make working in a safe environment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 our priority,” added Trevena.
Pandemic health and safety protocols and policies will include reducing in-person meetings or 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, are expected to help ensure worker and public safety.
For further information on the Salmon Arm project, click here.
Featured image credit: Government of BC.
