VANDERHOOF, B.C. — A secluded stretch of highway in northern B.C. recently had its upgrades completed.

The improvements include a two-km auxiliary passing lane, and intersection improvements on Highway 16, approximately 68 km east of Vanderhoof, east of Prince George.

Highway 16, known as the Yellowhead Highway, is the only direct link of the National Highway System to the Asia-Pacific Region through the Port of Prince Rupert and is also the primary east/west route through Northern B.C. It links communities to Prince George and lies in the heart of pine beetle-impacted forests.

The Government of Canada contributed $1.05 million and B.C. contributed $2.35 million toward the $3.4-million project. The federal funding comes from the $44-million federal commitment to fund transportation infrastructure projects through the Mountain Pine Beetle Program under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI).

“Highway 16 is a vital roadway for northern residents, visitors and commercial traffic,” said John Rustad, MLA for Prince George-Omineca. “This great investment addresses the damages caused by increased industrial traffic from mountain pine beetle harvest log hauling and will provide a safer ride for local traffic.”