The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has responded to road concerns in the North Cariboo.
Last week, North Cariboo – Prince George MLA Sheldon Clare hosted a Transportation Town Hall meeting to show the state of the current highway conditions and the Quesnel bridge along Highway 97.
The Ministry responded via email, saying it is “addressing the most damaged infrastructure first [to the bridge], and it will continue to monitor Highway 97 through Quesnel for safety and advance the Interconnector project when priorities and funding allow.”
The Ministry added a design for a new Quesnel Rail Overhead Bridge that will include a new Bridge deck is being planned.
Another concern voiced at the Town Hall meeting was reopening the Quesnel – Hixon alternate highway, and repairing the alternative route between Quesnel and Prince George.
The Ministry responded via email to the concerns saying “Alternative routes like, Olson Road can accommodate current resident traffic volumes, and provide access to Highway 97, north of the slide.”
It went on to say “The Ministry is committed to providing safe and reliable access to the community, and is currently evaluating potential safety improvements for existing roads in the area.”
The plans to permanently close a 400-metre section of the highway, and decommission the Cottonwood River Canyon Bridge are still underway.
