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CRANBROOK – Improvements to CPR/Steamboat Hill, which are expected to significantly reduce collisions on that stretch of Highway 3, are now complete one month early and half a million dollars under budget, East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett and Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.
“We’ve taken the necessary steps to realign some dangerous curves on this stretch of highway and make it safer for all travellers,” said Bennett. “I will never forget the memorial service at Steamboat when the families of the victims of this dangerous corner laid flowers and constructed the crosses to commemorate their lost loved ones. Fixing this stretch of highway has been one of my top priorities, and these safety improvements will give my constituents greater peace of mind.”
Safety improvements include: · Construction of a left-turn bay at Colony Road. · Realignment of approximately two kilometres of Highway 3 at CPR/Steamboat Hill east of Cranbrook. · Construction of a new eastbound passing lane east of the corner.
The combination of the downhill approach grades and the sharp curve at this location both contributed to the high collision rate on this stretch of highway, which was 10 per cent higher than the critical rate. From 1998 to 2002, there were five fatalities on this section of Highway 3. Arthon Construction was awarded a $1.9 million contract to complete the work, which began in August 2003. The total value of the project arrived under budget at $2.7 million.
“Safe highways strengthen communities, not only by helping ensure safe public travel, but also by supporting the efficient movement of goods to and from our local businesses,” said Falcon. “The fact that the project was finished early and under budget is an added bonus.”
The Province is investing $1.3 billion over three years to improve transportation infrastructure to support economic growth. Most of the investment – close to $840 million – is being used to improve roads in Heartlands communities. - 30 -
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