Contract awarded for TCH four-laning east of Kamloops

NEWS — A $23.4-million contract has been awarded to Emil Anderson Construction Inc. of Kelowna to four-lane a section of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Kamloops.

The second and final phase of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project will widen 3.1 kilometres of Highway 1 from two to four lanes through the challenging section of highway.

Work is expected to begin in spring and be finished by the fall of 2016. Once completed, there will be 16 kilometres of new four-laning on the Trans-Canada between Kamloops and Chase as a result of the Monte Creek to Pritchard and the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff projects.

Phase 2 of the Pritchard to Hoffman’s Bluff project includes an agreement for construction through the Neskonlith Indian Band’s reserve near Hoffman’s Bluff.

Total cost of the project is $61.6 million. The federal government is contributing $26.9 million through the Building Canada Fund, with the province putting in $34.7 million.

The first phase includes about 2.8 kilometres of four-lane highway. Completion is expected by June this year.

Chief Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith Indian Band said safety has been an ongoing concern for the Trans-Canada Highway, along with protection of cultural sites.

“The entire corridor is recognized as origins of our Secwepemc People, which date back 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. Continued protection and management of the existing sites and the new finds is critical,” she said.

“Direct involvement in planning, design and construction along with recognition of our title/rights and people is key.”