PRINCE GEORGE – Premier Gordon Campbell was joined by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George Dick Harris and Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers to recognize all those who worked on the twinned Simon Fraser Bridge.

“Earlier this year we committed to recognize all workers who contributed to building major public infrastructure projects in British Columbia,” said Premier Campbell. “Today we’re following through on that commitment by honouring the dedicated people who helped make the Simon Fraser Bridge a reality, helping pave the way for a brighter economic future in Northern B.C.”

“The government of Canada, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is proud to recognize the workers who contributed to the expansion of the Simon Fraser Bridge,” said Harris. “This project, like so many investments we have made in the region, reflects the government’s commitment to deliver real results to Prince George and the surrounding region – which includes creating jobs, building local infrastructure, and supporting the local economy.”

“The Simon Fraser Bridge and our Cariboo Connector strategy are vital components in the development of Prince George as a major transportation hub for the Asia Pacific Gateway, industry, local business and tourism,” said Bond. “Equally important are the hundreds of men and women whose vision, expertise and labour helped bring this project to fruition.”

“The economy of Northern B.C. is built on the hard work and ingenuity of its residents,” said Rogers. “This recognition of those who helped build the twinned Simon Fraser Bridge will be a permanent reminder of our proud northern spirit.”

The commemorative plaque includes the names of 400 people who were involved in the planning, engineering, design and construction of the twinned Simon Fraser Bridge.

At the plaque unveiling, the workers were represented by William Thomson, an employee with Surespan, one of the project contractors, as well as Wayne Denluck of IDL Projects of Prince George.

“We are all very proud to have worked on a project of such provincial importance,” said Thomson. “We built a bridge that will benefit the North for many years to come, and with this recognition, the names of all workers will live on just as long.”

In addition, the Province unveiled an artist’s rendering for the green space surrounding the plaque installation in the interchange and along the trails linking the Simon Fraser Bridge to the Prince George area trail network. The Province has partnered with the city of Prince George, which will contribute shrubs, trees, plants and a park bench to the location.

“We’re partnering with the city of Prince George to ensure that the green space around the plaques is part of the legacy for the workers and the community,” said Prince George – Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell. “The work being done will give people a place to take a break, sit and view the river and bridge, or read the names of t hose family and friends who contributed to the building of this bridge.”

The twinned Simon Fraser Bridge doubles the number of lanes on Highway 97 across the Fraser River from two to four, with the four lanes extending north to the Queensway Interchange and south to Sintich Road. The bridge includes a joint pedestrian and bicycle lane linking to trails in the Prince George area.

The twinned Simon Fraser Bridge has helped reduce traffic congestion and save travel time for commuters, tourist and commercial vehicles crossing the bridge while improving highway safety. It has bolstered the connections between the Prince George Inland Container Terminal, the Prince George Airport and the Ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert as part of the Asia Pacific Gateway Strategy.

The bridge expansion, as part of the Cariboo Connector strategy, is a key element in the continued development of Prince George as a major transportation hub, supporting growth in mining, oil and gas and forest industry activity, and encourages economic diversification in the North.

The $43-million Simon Fraser Bridge project was part of the $240-million first phase of the Cariboo Connector strategy, initiated as part of a long-term plan to four-lane the 460-kilometre portion of Highway 97 between Prince George and Cache Creek. Eighteen projects along the corridor are either complete or underway. Over $200 million has been committed to 70 new and ongoing highway projects across northern British Columbia this year. Since 2001, $1.5 billion has been invested in highway projects in the North.

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Contact:
Bridgitte Anderson
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 307-7177

Dave Crebo
Communications Director
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 387-7787

Media Relations
Transport Canada
Ottawa
613 993-0055

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