OREANDA-NEWS. September 23, 2016. From visiting friends and relatives to getting goods to market, we rely on our roads, bridges and highways to support a vibrant and stable economy and quality of life. Investing in modern transportation infrastructure will help create jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

That is why the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia today announced \\$162.7 million in funding to support the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) Salmon Arm West Project.

Located west of the downtown core of Salmon Arm, and through two First Nations communities (Neskonlith Indian Band IR#3 and Adam's Lake Indian Band IR#7), this project widens Highway 1 to four lanes, upgrades connections to the adjacent and existing road network, and replaces the Salmon River Bridge.

The majority of traffic on the highway consists of heavy trucks, regional commuters and local residents. Once completed, the project will support future economic opportunities with improved safety and access to and from both First Nations communities, as well as for all residents along the highway corridor. It will also decrease congestion, help Canadians cut commute times and get home to their families faster.

This project is the eighth in a series of Highway 1 projects previously announced under the federal New Building Canada Fund.

Quote

"The Government of Canada is working in close partnership with British Columbia to ensure we make smart infrastructure investments that make our roads safer for drivers, help grow the middle class, and promote sustainable development. By supporting improvements to these critical transportation routes, we are helping local businesses move their goods to market and foster long-term prosperity for years to come."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi,
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Salmon Arm is an important hub along the Trans-Canada Highway for communities, visitors, and those hauling goods. The upgrade announced today will add more lanes to keep traffic moving and improve safety, particularly at the Salmon River Bridge, which is why this project was listed as a priority in our B.C. on the Move plan. Through the Salmon Arm West project, we are also continuing to build positive relationships by closely working together with the Secwepemc Nation."

Todd Stone, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Quick Facts

  • The Government of Canada is contributing up to \\$48.5 million to the Salmon Arm West Project through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component - National and Regional Projects.
  • The Government of British Columbia is contributing the remaining \\$114.2 million for a total estimated project cost of \\$162.7 million.
  • The Salmon Arm West Project is the eighth Highway 1 improvement project jointly supported by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, which also include projects to improve:
    • Malahat Village Four Laning
    • Admirals Road/McKenzie Avenue Interchange
    • North Fork Bridge replacement and Four Laning east of Sicamous
    • Hoffman's Bluff to Chase Creek Four Laning
    • Illecillewaet Four Laning east of Revelstoke      
    • Lower Lynn Corridor Improvements
    • Highway 1 and 216 St Interchange