Highway 1 work through Chase moves ahead

CHASE, B.C. — The Province of B.C. is moving ahead with expanding the Trans-Canada Highway through Chase, B.C.

Government officials have issued the tender for the Chase Creek Road to Chase West four-laning project. This section of Highway 1 is being expanded making it safer for travellers, including commercial truck drivers.

“It’s important we keep moving forward on major projects that will spur economic recovery and help build out of this pandemic,” said Claire Trevena, minister of transportation and infrastructure, in a statment. “This project, delivered under our Community Benefits Agreement, will ensure that local workers are employed and that communities will benefit during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Officials noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place that follow the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent infection. These include limiting in-person meetings and gatherings, holding meetings outdoors and ensuring physical distancing of workers throughout the workday. These measures include other work protocols such as daily cleaning and sanitizing of common areas and surfaces.

“Our government’s priority is keeping workplaces safe as we continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Trevena said. “We’re ensuring crews will be working in a safe environment as we deliver this project that will keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently.”

Along with widening 3.3 kilometres of Highway 1 to four lanes with a central median barrier, work on this project also includes:

• an 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.

After the contract has been awarded, work is anticipated to start late this summer.

The project is being delivered under the province’s Community Benefits Agreement, which it states prioritizes hiring local workers, Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and other under-represented groups.