The BC Government says a Kamloops company will be tasked with four-laning Highway 1 through the Chase area.
It says the $25.9 million contract for the Chase Creek Road to Chase West project has been awarded to Dawson Civil Limited, which will prioritize hiring local workers through a Community Benefits Agreement.
“I’m happy to announce this project has been awarded to a local firm and construction will begin this summer,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a statement. “Now is the right time to build infrastructure that hires local workers and improves our communities who are struggling with the impacts of COVID-19.”
The project will see a 3.3-kilometre section of the highway widened to four lanes with a centre median barrier. There will also be at-grade protected T-intersections with lights 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.
As well, the government notes the existing highway will be converted to frontage road to consolidate access.
“This project will help diversify and grow B.C.’s skilled workforce,” Trevena added. “Apprentices will also get the opportunity to work on site and gain the experience they need to launch life-long careers.”
The Ministry of Transportation adds it working closely with all contractors and WorkSafeBC to ensure the health and safety of all workers because of COVID-19, including reducing in-person meetings, holding meetings outdoors, physical distancing of workers, and regular cleaning and sanitizing throughout the work day.
Project costs increased with reduced scope says area MLA
It was previously revealed that the cost to four-lane the highway increased by 33 per cent or about $61-million as the province issued a tender in early May. The total budget for the Chase four-laning project is now $260.3 million, up from $199.2 million, and work was supposed to take place over three phases.
Another phase of the project will see work on a 1.6 km stretch between Chase West Road and the Chase Creek Bridge, while the third phase from Hoffman’s Bluff to Chase Creek Road was not on the construction schedule when the tender was issued.
Chase MLA Todd Stone, a former BC Liberal Transportation Minister, raised concerns at the time, noting that the project is three years behind schedule with a reduced scope and an increase in price.
“You’ve got a budget that’s gone from $199 million total up to $260 million, and you are getting less four laning, you’re getting less access improvements and you’re getting protected T-intersections as opposed to full access interchanges, and you’re getting all of this three years later,” Stone said.
He previously NL News that he was ‘absolutely convinced’ that the project will not be delivered on budget.
