Funding commitment from federal and provincial governments makes Trans-Canada improvement project possible
July 25, 2014 – Malakwa, British Columbia
Today, the governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a funding commitment to build a new four-lane Malakwa Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to replace the existing two-lane bridge. The new crossing will better handle the increased traffic volume and larger truck loads on this important highway.
The modern four-lane bridge will accommodate wider and higher trucks, improving safety and supporting Canada's Pacific Gateway, which supports the safe and efficient movement of goods across key trade corridors. With between 6,000 and 11,000 vehicles crossing the existing 60-year-old structure each day, the project will make this major economic corridor safer and more efficient.
Tybo Contracting Ltd of Langley B.C. is the successful bidder with a tender of $16.4-million for the construction of the new bridge and four-laning project. Construction is scheduled to begin in August and is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2016.
The project also includes the widening of 2.7 kilometres of Highway 1 from two to four lanes and the addition of centre median barriers. The highway will also have 2.5-metre-wide paved shoulders and rumble strips to improve safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
In addition, the community of Malakwa will benefit from 1.8 kilometres of new local roads that will access the highway at two new protected "T" intersections, which provide drivers with a protected lane to wait in to safely turn both on and off the highway. The Hickson Road intersection will be upgraded with a new protected "T" concept, and accesses off of Ackerman and Delaney roads will be consolidated at a new protected "T" intersection near the Shuswap Speedway
Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250-356-8241
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca
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