NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008TRAN0036-001041 July 7, 2008	Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
$4.7M CONTRACT FOR SIMON FRASER BRIDGE APPROACHES

PRINCE GEORGE – A $4.7-million dollar contract has been awarded to build the approaches to the new Simon Fraser Bridge beginning in August, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.

 

“The Simon Fraser Bridge is one of the key pieces of our Cariboo Connector strategy to improve the safety and efficiency of Highway 97 between Prince George and Cache Creek,” said Falcon. “Highway 97 is our key north-south trade corridor, so it’s vital that we continue to make improvements to the highway to support economic growth and improve B.C.’s competitiveness.”

 

IDL Projects Inc. of Prince George has been awarded the contract to build the approaches that will tie the new Simon Fraser Bridge into the northbound lanes of Highway 97.

 

“The awarding of this contract is another important milestone in the construction of the twinned Simon Fraser Bridge,” said Prince George-Mount Robson MLA Shirley Bond. “Construction of the new bridge is proceeding extremely well, and the bridge approaches are the next prominent piece of the work.”

 

“This project is essential for the economic development of our northern communities,” said Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad. “By upgrading the Simon Fraser Bridge, we are investing in future tourism and expansion of the North.”

 

“The Province understands the necessity to maintain and support Highway 97, our link between the North and southern B.C.,” said Prince George North MLA Pat Bell. “This investment ensures safer travel for our visitors and residents and strengthens our community for the future.”

 

            The $42-million project will increase the capacity of Highway 97 across the Fraser River to four lanes by twinning the Simon Fraser Bridge. The federal government is providing up to $18 million of the funding through its Mountain Pine Beetle Program under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor initiative. The new bridge is expected to be completed in summer 2009.

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Media contact:	Jeff Knight Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 356-7707
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