Province to spend $103.4M to replace road south of Prince George, B.C. heavily damaged in 2018 flood
By On-Site Staff
Roads
Spring flooding in April 2018 washed out five sections of the road in central B.C. PHOTO: Government of B.C.
A major construction project to replace a three-kilometre segment of the West Fraser Road in central British Columbia washed away by heavy flooding in 2018 is moving toward shovel-ready.
The province’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said Feb. 5 it has funding in place for the project that involves building a new five-kilometre section of road to bypass the active slide areas.
High water levels in the Narcosli Creek eroded five sections of the West Fraser Road about 17 kilometres south of Quesnel, B.C., in April on 2018, resulting in a three-kilometre road closure. A detour route has been in use since, but resulted in added time on the road for local residents.
“I appreciate people’s patience throughout this very challenging time,” Claire Trevena, B.C.’s minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said in a release. “The ministry continues to work on maintaining the alternative route, while ensuring safe travel through the area by building a new road.”
The province is currently finalizing the design of the new road, estimated to cost $103.4 million. It plans to lay out the project timeline this spring and begin construction later in the year.
The realigned two-lane road is scheduled to open in 2022.
