ARMSTRONG, B.C. — The governments of Canada and B.C. are joining forces to double the capacity of a busy stretch of highway in the coastal province.

The $33.7 million project involves upgrading from two to four lanes the section of Highway 97A north of Vernon, construction of an interchange with roundabout at the ramp terminals, and the addition of a local road to connect to the existing highway and the new interchange.

Approximately $21.57 million is being funded by the provincial government, while the rest of the tab is being picked up by the federal government. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2010.

“The addition of two new lanes to this section of Highway 97A will reduce delays and improve travel time through this busy area,” said Shuswap MLA George Abbott. “Having new roundabouts will eliminate direct access off the highway, improving the safety of drivers travelling along this route. It is through collaborative infrastructure projects like these that we can continue to meet the needs of both residents and travellers through the area.”

Federal funding for this project comes from the Building Canada Fund under the $33-billion Building Canada plan.