DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The province of B.C. is beginning work to lower the road surface of Hwy. 97 underneath the CNR overhead 70 kms west of Chetwynd, which will allow commercial vehicles to pass through the area.

The $1.69-million project will begin in June and be completed by August, the province announced.

The new clearance will be over five metres, making Hwy. 97 North a more efficient commercial corridor. It will allow truckers to haul large machinery and resources in and out of the Peace region.

“This project is part of our long-term northern commercial corridor strategy to improve safety and mobility on Highway 97 North through the Pine Pass,” said Transport Minister Blair Lekstrom. “The work at the West Pine overhead will help to reduce height constraints for commercial vehicles and support continued economic growth in the region.”

“We know that the growth of resource industries across the North is helping power B.C.’s economy,” added Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “Construction of this project will not only create jobs from Chetwynd to Prince George, but by allowing for greater height restrictions on key highways, our industries can grow larger and faster, creating jobs across the province.”