Work to continue despite protests along B.C. highway

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VANCOUVER, B.C. — The B.C. government is undaunted by protesting residents along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and insists the improvement project will carry on as planned.

The $130 million section of highway improvements will see a four-lane highway run through the Eagleridge Bluffs and the work is expected to take 24 to 30 months to complete.

About 200 people gathered on the bluffs overlooking the Horseshoe Bay on Monday night as construction was set to begin today on the stretch of the Sea-to-Sky Highway between the Eagleridge Interchange and Larsen Creek.

The protesters are rallying for the province to either build a four-lane divided tunnel or add a third lane to the existing highway, saving what they say is an ecologically sensitive area.

Dennis Perry, a former Green party deputy leader, was among the protesters and estimated the proposed change would add $70 million to the highway project.

Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon responded with a firm stance against any changes to the project saying it would be too costly and decrease safety measures along the highway.

The $600 million improvement project spans from West Vancouver to Whistler and is expected to be completed by late 2009, in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The projects aim is to widen and straighten the highway, improve sightlines and passing lanes to reduce hazards and shorten travel times.

– with files from the Vancouver Sun

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