Improvements to the Pine Street-Railway Boulevard intersection with Highway 3 in Creston are moving ahead, with the award of the major construction works contract to Maglio Industries Ltd. of Castlegar.
The intersection at Pine Street and Railway Boulevard will be realigned to create a cross intersection and traffic signals will be installed. This will improve safety for motorists travelling on Highway 3 through Creston, and improve access to and from the highway for Creston residents.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early spring 2015 with completion anticipated by the end of June 2015. The total project value is approximately $5.4 million, with funding coming from the Province of B.C. and the Town of Creston.
“The ministry understands the importance of Highway 3 as a major trade and tourism route across southern B.C.,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone of the announcement. “This partnership with the Town of Creston to upgrade the Pine and Railway intersection will improve safety for all Highway 3 users travelling in, through and around the community.”
Minister of Energy and Mines, and MLA for Kootenay East, Bill Bennett also weighed in on the occasion.
“Highway 3 is a vital link for communities throughout the Kootenays,” said Bennett. “This improvement project is not just welcome news to residents in Creston, travellers on the highway will benefit from improved safety and better access to the Crowsnest.”