New maintenance classifications for Highway 97 North and Highway 16 will mean more maintenance and quicker snow removal for two of northern British Columbia's “key corridors.”
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) states the routes, which bisect in Prince George, are being reclassified in mid- to late-February from Class B to A – specifically, the northern section of Highway 97 from Cache Creek to north of Fort St. John, and on Highway 16 from Prince Rupert to the B.C./Alberta border, will now be maintained as Class A highways.
"Highway 16 and Highway 97 are both key corridors in the North, supporting the region's growing LNG and industrial development,” says Transportation Minister Todd Stone.
“This change will ensure these highways are maintained to the best possible standards."
The new designations represent a significant increase in the maintenance commitment for both highways, which will result in more frequent patrols, quicker response times, more plowing, snow removal and salt and sand applications.
The section of Highway 97 in the 100 Mile House corridor is already classified as Class A, so it's business as usual for Roads crews in the area, explains quality manager Phil Doddridge.