(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Highway Construction

Highway repaving projects planned for Thompson and Shuswap throughout summer

Jun 7, 2021 | 1:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson and Shuswap regions will see multiples kilometres of highways and side roads paved throughout the summer.

One of the B.C. government’s first resurfacing projects that began in early May was south of Clearwater: Highway 5 from Blackwater Road to Birch Island. Crews will resurface 21 kilometres of Highway 5, plus 18 kilometres of area side roads. Work on this project is expected to be complete this summer.

Other major resurfacing projects taking include:

• Highway 23, Downie Creek Bridge to Mica Dam – 84 kilometres – to be complete in August
• Highway 1, Little River to Salmon Arm – 24 kilometres – to be complete in October
• Sunnybrae Road, Little Shuswap Road, and multiple area side roads – 40 kilometres – to be complete in October
• Highway 1, Cache Creek to Walhachin Road and Ashcroft area – 31 kilometres – and 14 kilometres of area side roads to be complete in October

“All of us driving our Interior roads know that they can see a lot of wear and tear, so these resurfacing projects will be welcome,” Boundary-Similkameen MLA Roly Russell said. “Investments in projects like this will not only make for smoother and more reliable roads for everyone but make life a little safer in times of need for access or evacuation.”

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Oct. 21

Oct 26, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Facing caucus revolt, Justin Trudeau could learn from Joe Biden

Oct 25, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: October 24, 2024

Oct 25, 2024

Hot-in-place resurfacing is a made-in-B.C. process involving repurposing the existing asphalt by heating, softening, and blending it with a small amount of new asphalt before reapplying it to the surface. It extends the operating life of the road, saves resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

The B.C. government said more than $70 million is being invested in highway resurfacing and more than $20 million is being spent on side-road improvements in the southern Interior this year.

Motorist can expect minor delays and, at times, single lane alternating traffic during resurfacing. Drivers are reminded to obey construction zone speed limits and the direction of traffic control personnel.

Updates on delays and closures are available online.