Dangerous section of Hope-Princeton getting $27-million upgrade

PENTICTON – A winding, dangerous portion of the Hope-Princeton Highway is slated for upgrading thanks to a multi-level funding commitment.

Provincial and federal governments have announced funding for a $27.65 million upgrade to Highway 3, west of Princeton. A five-kilometre stretch of the roadway will be relocated and straightened to remove a two sharp curves and add passing lanes for both east and westbound traffic.

The federal government is contributing $10.3-million through the Building Canada Fund, with B.C. writing a cheque for $17.3-million.

Announcement of the funding came as welcome news to communities along Highway 3. The Highway 3 Mayors' and Chairs' Coalition has been lobbying the province for several years to make funding available for improvements to Highway 3 between Mine Hill and Manning Park.

“I believe the Highway 3 improvement project, Sunday Creek to Sunday Summit section, is another example of the Province of British Columbia’s commitment to making our destination a safer and more comfortable driving experience,” Princeton Mayor Frank Armitage says in a media release.

The work, scheduled to begin in June, should be complete by the fall of 2016.

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