Pre-construction work has begun between Barriere and Little Fort in preparation for more new passing lanes along Highway 5 near Darfield.
“Drivers may notice work commencing at Darfield on Highway 5 north of Kamloops in preparation for construction of another set of new passing lanes,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “The passing lanes will improve safety and traffic flow by giving drivers additional safe opportunities to pass.”
A new three kilometre southbound passing lane will be added and the existing northbound passing lane will be extended by 2.7 kilometres.
Some fencing and tree clearing has begun this fall, as well as some minor brushing in the Darfield area for utility relocation.
“Highway 5 is a key focus for safety and mobility improvements,” said MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson Terry Lake. “Over the last 10 years, the ministry has invested over $63 million in Highway 5 safety improvements between Kamloops and Tete Jaune Cache, including installing new passing lanes, adding guardrails and resurfacing sections of the highway.”
The construction contract will be tendered in January and work is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2018.
Meanwhile, construction is nearing completion on the Vinsulla passing lanes project south of McLure. The Vinsulla project includes a 2.2 kilometre northbound passing lane and a commercial vehicle pullout.