The federal government is backing a series of upgrades along two key highways in Yukon and northern British Columbia.
Canada’s Minister of Transportation, Omar Alghabra, joined Yukon officials in Whitehorse July 29 to announce $180 million in joint funding for a long-term program to upgrade the North Klondike Highway between the Yukon capital and Dawson City. The upgrades will make the route more resilient to thawing permafrost, increase safety and remove seasonal weight restrictions for heavy trucks.
The project follows a similar work package announced in 2019 covering upgrades to the highway between Carmacks and the Dempster Highway cutoff. The federal government has committed $135 million to the latest project, while Yukon will spend $45 million.
Meanwhile, Ottawa has awarded a contract to pay for road surface improvements on a popular route leading into Yukon. Public Services and Procurement Canada handed down a $39.6 million contract July 30 for upgrades to the Alaska Highway around Fort Nelson, B.C.
Peter’s Bros. Construction Ltd. will get to work this summer on converting the bituminous surface treatment road surface to asphaltic concrete pavement over roughly 65 kilometres. Other upgrades, such as widening shoulders and introducing crossfall slopes, are also included. Construction is scheduled to be complete this fall.
