A $7.3-million contract has been awarded to Knappett Industries of Nanaimo to finish work on the new route that will provide an improved connection between Highway 19 and the community of Courtenay.

Construction crews plan to return to the site this spring and begin constructing the new, two-lane bridge across the Tsolum River. Workers will also complete the 700-metre-long section of new road, building on the early preparation work done in 2016 by approximately 30 locally hired truck drivers, equipment operators and traffic controllers.

鈥淎s an early advocate of the North Courtenay Connector, it鈥檚 great to see the jobs this project has created for Vancouver Islanders and I look forward to using the new route when it is completed later this year,鈥� said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae.

Work on the $15-million project is expected to be finished in fall 2017. When it opens to traffic, the new route will ensure an efficient and reliable connection for residents, tourists and commercial drivers between Highway 19 and important destinations in the Comox Valley such as the airport, ferry terminal and new Comox Valley Hospital. The project will also provide 1.5-metre-wide paved shoulders between the new bridge and Condensory Road, improving the route for cyclists.

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

Visit the project website: www.gov.bc.ca/northcourtenayconnector

鈥揋overnment of BC