Langley, British Columbia (April 16)—The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) is pleased the Province is investing $200 million in Phase 2 of the Cariboo Connector, to include nine new four-lane expansion projects over the next five years for Highway 97 between Cache Creek and Prince George.
“Highway 97 is a busy route for carriers moving all types of goods through Northern BC and the Interior. Four-laning of strategic sections reduces congestion, increasing efficiency for motor carriers and improving safety for all road users,” says Louise Yako, BCTA’s President & CEO. “Increased capacity is welcome, especially as the industry looks at ways to meet the challenges of BC’s growing trade with Asia.”
As part of the $700 million investment the Province announced on April 2, 2012, for increased capacity on key highways and railways in BC, these projects tie in to a long-term vision of prosperity for BC that the trucking industry shares. According to Ms. Yako, “On their own, these four-laning projects add up to 30 km, but they are part of a broader plan to prepare BC for the exciting opportunities that increased trade will bring.”
Four-laning also helps to reduce conflicts that can occur between commercial and passenger vehicles on two-lane highways, especially during winter. “Safety is a top priority for BCTA,” adds Ms. Yako. “We look forward to the improvements that will result from ongoing strategic investment in BC’s highway infrastructure.”
BCTA is the recognised voice of the provincial motor carrier industry, representing over 1,200 truck and motor coach fleets and over 250 suppliers to the industry. BCTA members operate over 13,000 vehicles, employ 26,000 people, and generate over $2 billion in revenue annually in the province.
