Image Credit: Government of BC
Highway Improvements

Safety improvements coming to a section of Highway 97 and two intersections near Quesnel

May 20, 2021 | 10:54 AM

QUESNEL, B.C. — Safety improvements are coming to a section of Highway 97 near Quesnel.

The project will involve widening 1.1 kilometres of Highway 97 and improvements to two key intersections.

Traffic signals will be installed at the intersection of Highway 97 and Racing Road/Dragon Hill Road which has a historically high collision rate.

At Highway 97 and Quesnel Hydraulic Road, improvements will make it safer for drivers to turn off onto the highway. The southbound left turn lane from Highway 97 onto Quesnel Hydraulic Road will allow more spaces for vehicles to slow down without impeding traffic. Left turns onto the highway will be restricted.

A centre median will be installed along Highway 97 between the two intersections to separate opposing lanes of traffic and to better define the lanes when visibility and weather conditions are poor. New LED streetlights will be installed, as well as drainage to remove surface water efficiently.

Construction is expected to start this August and wrap up in fall 2022.

The provincial government is contributing $11.3 million to this $19-million project, while the federal government is contributing up to $7.7 million through the New Building Canada Fund.