Cache Creek residents will be able to get a first hand look at planned improvements to Highway 97 – which includes a new four lane bridge – at an open house in early October.

The BC Government is hosting the open house showing off its plans for the Highway 97 Cache Creek Crossing Restoration Project which is meant to enhance safety and help prevent flooding.

“The Highway 97 Cache Creek Crossing Restoration Project will include the installation of a bridge to replace the culvert under Highway 97 where it crosses Cache Creek,” a statement from the Ministry of Transportation said.

“The bridge will be designed to handle peak river flows and debris, especially during the spring freshet. It will accommodate increases in peak water flows caused by climate change and will be built to ensure structural stability against erosion.”

Highway 97 through Cache Creek was closed to all traffic on May 2 because of a massive washout caused by flooding this spring. It reopened to a single lane of traffic two days later on May 4, before reopening to all traffic just ahead of the May long weekend.

The open house will be held at the Cache Creek Community Hall – located at 1270 Stage Rd. – between 4 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 4.

“Ministry of Transportation staff will provide an overview of the proposed bridge design and be available to answer questions about the project,” the statement added.

Residents with questions or comments can send them by email here.