Activities such as preliminary median work, providing earthquake resistance to highway bridges and installing drainage and electrical systems have mostly been completed. During the Spring of 1998, installation and paving of the HOV lanes will begin. In the Summer, paving will be completed and a new highway lighting system (including new traffic signs) will be put in place. The new HOV lanes are expected to open for public use in the Fall of 1998.
More detailed construction information below.
DRAINAGE A new system is being installed along sections of the center median of the Trans Canada Highway. This entails the laying of new pipe, catch basins and manholes. This work will be ongoing until May '98. ELECTRICAL While the drainage excavation and installation is underway, electrical conduit and wiring are also being installed to accommodate the installation of continuous median lighting from one end of the project to the other and new high mast lighting at interchanges. These sixteen masts need new concrete bases to support their height. Thirteen of the masts are 38 metres high, and the remaining three masts are 45 metres high. The lighting masts will be installed as the work progresses from month to month with the last one expected to be up by summer and the full system in operation by September '98. SIGNAGE Electrical services for new signage along the Trans Canada Highway will be installed at the same time as the lighting. There will be sign bridge structures installed throughout the project and completed by August '98. BRIDGEWORK The installation of the new HOV lanes requires the widening of five existing bridges: C.P. Rail North Road King Edward B.N. Rail Brunette River The job entails pile driving and installation of new foundation abutments and piers, as well as necessary deckwork. This work will be completed by August '98. DEER CREEK CULVERT Deer Creek currently runs under the highway and into Deer Lake via a corrugated metal culvert. This will be replaced by two new concrete box culverts to improve water flow. This culvert construction is planned for March '98 to May '98. OIL PIPELINE Trans Mountain Pipeline Co. currently has a pipeline under the Trans Canada Highway east of the Brunette Interchange. Pipe maintenance and modifications will require paved diversions to keep traffic flowing normally through the area from April '98 - May '98. PAVING The primary purpose of the project is the installation of eastbound and westbound HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes. This work requires the widening of the existing paved surface into the median in both directions between Grandview Highway and Cape Horn. The work along this 16km TCH corridor entails: grading; installing of gravel base; asphalt paving; reshaping and resurfacing of existing asphalt pavement. Impact on regular commuter traffic flow will be minimized due to a nighttime work schedule. Paving work will continue until the opening in the Fall of 1998. MISC. DETAILS Erection of signage, painting of lines, landscaping & remediation of grassed areas, clean-up and demobilization is scheduled for Fall '98.	High mast lighting pole in position at Cariboo Interchange.
	Work at bridge abutments and piers is underway.
	Construction of new Deer Creek culvert.
	HOV lanes near Cariboo under construction.

TRAFFIC CONTROL
Pilot vehicles help ensure safe merging of construction vehicles with traffic.	General contractor B.A. Blacktop Ltd. uses trucks mounted with flashing arrow boards or beacons to pilot job-site vehicles in to and out of the median to ensure safe merging with the traffic flow. In addition, traffic control personnel set up highway lane closures during the night using orange delineators, flashing beacons and signs. Day time traffic control includes crews working on the highway shoulders, city streets and railway lines adjacent to the Trans Canada Highway. Changeable message signs (located along the project site) are updated with the latest traffic pattern advisories as needed. These signs can be updated quickly a number of ways, including via a central computer system or remotely. A Project Communications Center is in place to visually monitor and report on traffic conditions, assist in controlling/managing any incidents along the construction route and to provide communications to various work sites, traffic controllers, contractors and the Ministry of Transportation and Highways' Provincial Highway Conditions Center. Road safety is observed via 20 cameras mounted along the highway, allowing quick response to areas needing assistance by dispatching crew and services. The Traffic Information Line (415-6388) contains general project information, as well as traffic flow conditions which are updated daily, or as needed if traffic conditions warrant. This line also provides the option of speaking directly to our on-site Project Communications Center personnel.
Obey all traffic control personnel. They are there for YOUR safety.
Traffic control and incident management are priorities for the Communications Center.

If you are looking for
information over the phone, please
call the Traffic Information Line
(604) 415-6388

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Other Sites of Interest Ministry of Transportation and Highways BC Transportation Financing Authority Home Page Congestion Solutions Jack Bell Foundation, The (Vanpool & Carpool) BC Transit (route info. 521-0400) BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association

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