The Canadian and British Columbian (BC) Governments have jointly announced the completion of the C$17.3m ($12.8m) Highway 3 widening and a realignment project that was carried out approximately 30km west of Princeton.

The road widening works were carried out on the 5km highway stretch between Sunday Creek and Sunday Summit, for making travelling safer as well as easy on this area.

The other works include extension of westbound Sunday Summit passing lane by 1.6km and the eastbound Saturday Creek passing lane has been extended by 1km.

"Helping businesses move their goods to market will stimulate economic growth, help grow the middle class and foster long-term prosperity."

Canadian Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi said: “The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Province of British Columbia in supporting projects that make roads safer and more efficient for residents, visitors, and truckers.

“Helping businesses move their goods to market will stimulate economic growth, help grow the middle class and foster long-term prosperity.”

The construction crews have also re-aligned this section of highway to straighten out curves and to improve driver sightlines, and also added roadside barrier and rumble strips.

The government anticipates that the road widening and realignment would reduce collisions, create safer passing opportunities, and improve the efficiency of traffic flow.

The construction works have been carried out by the Emil Anderson Construction of Kelowna, who began the work started in June last year and was completed on schedule.

British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone said: “Highway 3 provides an important link connecting the communities of Hope and Princeton, and through this highway upgrade project completion, we are improving safety, reliability, and connectivity for all traffic.”

The original estimated cost for this highway project was C$27.6m ($20.5m), however, the project was completed under the stipulated budget.

The Government of Canada contributed C$6.5m ($4.8m) through the Building Canada Fund and the BC government contributed C$10.8m ($8.02m).