More than 60 bridges fixed and 400 projects completed

This year the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure completed close to 400 projects and invested more than $2 billion, putting thousands of people to work and creating safer roads and communities.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond made the announcement recently, marking the end of the calendar year.

鈥淭his was by far our busiest construction year,鈥� said Bond. 鈥淓arly in the year, our transit system was tested with record numbers of riders during the Olympics and while managing a record construction season, we also had to deal with the impacts of floods and fires. As the year ends, I want to thank the many people whose exceptional efforts are helping to create a world- class transportation system in B.C.鈥�

In total, more than 60 bridges were replaced or rehabilitated and over 1,500 lane-kms of highway resurfaced.

From the Port Mann Bridge to the Cariboo Connector, and from Kelowna Rapid Bus to oil and gas road improvements in northwestern B.C., investments in key transportation projects are happening all across the province.

Key road, bridge and transit improvements completed or underway this year are reducing congestion, providing greener travel options, improving safety and creating better access to growing populations. In addition, the jobs and the spinoff benefits these projects create for communities are providing stability and confidence throughout the province.

Since 2001, more than $16 billion has been invested in transportation and infrastructure provincewide.

鈥淚 also want to give credit to the federal government, our partners on many of these projects,鈥� added Bond. 鈥淥ur willingness to work with each other will generate more than 8,000 jobs over the course of the funded projects.鈥�

鈥淚n a year where many industries in North America found themselves facing tough economic times, our members have found steady work building and maintaining key roads and infrastructure in B.C.,鈥� said Jack Davidson, president of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of the partnership we鈥檝e forged with the Province in building stronger, more vibrant communities for British Columbians.鈥�

First announced in fall 2009, the federal-provincial Infrastructure Stimulus projects have now had their construction deadline extended to October 2011, allowing one more construction season to finish the work.

The province estimates that nearly 80 projects worth about $74 million will benefit from this extension.

Other highlights in 2010 include improvements to the Drive B.C. website and the introduction of Twitter feeds to help drivers plan for safe trips.

More web cams have been added to Drive B..C, bringing the total to close to 170, and helping drivers to know before they go.

鈥� Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure