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New paving will be great, says MLA

Submitted by MLA Bill Belsey--New pavement on an important north-south link for island residents and adjacent side roads will improve safety and reduce travel times, says North Coast MLA Bill Belsey.
"We listened to the concerns people in Queen Charlotte Islandcommunities had about the conditions on Highway 16 and these upgrades will address those issues," says Belsey. "It's been close to two decades since this section if Highway 16 was paved. Time and the elements have taken their toll, and the surface of this stretch of highway is reaching the end of its service life. New pavement will enhance the safety of this highway and side roads, and will cut down on travel time for island drivers."
A 50 kilometre-section of Highway 16 - from Chinikundl Road to Port Clements - will get new pavement this spring. The paved surface will be widened to eight metres, the same width as the section between Queen Charlotte City and Chinikundl Road paved in 2002, improving safety for
pedestrians and cyclists. Highway 16 was last paved in this location in 1987.
As well, 3.5 kilometres of side roads intersecting and adjacent to the highway will be paved as part of this project.
"This work will reduce the maintenance costs associated with maintaining the fast-deteriorating highway and road surfaces, and will address safety concerns around dust and poor visibility on the side roads," says Belsey. "This project is another way we're meeting our commitment to
enhance northern B.C.'s transportation links."
Work is expected to begin in February, 2005, and be complete in September, 2005. The value of the contract has not yet been determined.
Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes could occur during the work period.