Major four-laning project gets underway on Hwy 1 through the Shuswap

Construction has started on the Trans-Canada Highway through the Shuswap region.

The project will widen the highway to four lanes between Ford Road and Tappen Valley Road and replace an aging overpass through Tappen.

Work will also include the construction of frontage roads and a new pullout for commercial and passenger vehicles.

“Upgrading this portion of highway to four lanes and replacing the outdated infrastructure will allow traffic to move more safely and efficiently,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure (MoTI).

“Communities will be better connected, and businesses will be better able to move their products throughout the province and through BC.”

All the work will happen between a stretch of the highway that runs through Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, formerly Little Shuswap Lake Band Indian Reserve #5, to enhance safety for people living in the area.

This small section of work is part of a larger project that includes improvements to Highway 1 between Kamloops and the Alberta border, which includes four-laning work through Chase, road improvements west of Salmon Arm and the major Kicking Horse Canyon project.

Earlier this year, BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the work would be ongoing over three construction seasons and is expected to wrap up in 2026.

The BC MoTI says efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions through the construction area.