No. H 056/09
For release - April 8, 2009
GOLDEN, B.C. — Construction of the Hill-to-Portal section of the Kicking Horse Canyon Project will begin this fall, a year ahead of schedule, announced the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister of the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and British Columbia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Kevin Falcon today.
Phase 3 of the Kicking Horse Canyon project was originally announced in November 2007 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell. Construction began last fall on Phase 3 East, the Brake Check to Yoho National Park component. The Hill-to-Portal segment was scheduled to follow in 2010.
"By accelerating this project, the Government of Canada is investing in a project that will create jobs and will take immediate action to improve the economy," said Minister Day. "Not only will this project improve the safety of this critical road system but it will also improve the quality of life for Canadians."
With a total project value of $68.5 million, Hill to Portal will bring another 3.8 kilometres of roadway up to a modern four-lane standard. It will reduce the steep grade on Golden Hill, extend a fourth lane down the hill to provide a continuous four lanes through to the signals at the west end of the town and provide a grade separation at Golden Donald Upper Road for additional safety. There will also be improved linkages for cyclists and pedestrians, and greater protection for the abundant local wildlife with fencing and crossing structures.
"Like Phase 3 East, this work will generate the equivalent of 88 full-time jobs," said Minister Falcon. "With a funding agreement already in place, we are taking advantage of the opportunity to complete the design and accelerate construction at a time when it will do the most good."
A Request for Qualifications is being issued immediately, and formal proposals will be solicited later this spring. Design will occur over the summer, with construction to begin by October 2009. Some preliminary construction to widen the lower part of the Hill may occur beforehand.
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