CFNR Network
May 4, 2021 4:31 PM
Improved cell service is coming to B.C. highways 95 and 97 as investments from the Connecting B.C. program continue to help people throughout the province.
Rogers is set to receive up to $5.47 million from the Connecting B.C. program toward the estimated $6.4-million cost of filling in cellular gaps along 68 kilometres of Highway 97 between Chetwynd and the Highway 39 junction. The route also includes the Pine Pass, which is a sparsely populated area prone to avalanche conditions. Cell service will also be made available at the West Pine rest area and the Powder King Mountain Resort.
The Connecting B.C. program was expanded in September 2020 as part of StrongerBC.
Expanded cell coverage along highways 95 and 97
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Cell service along highways 95 and 97 will be expanded, closing several service gaps along the way, as part of the Connecting British Columbia program.
The highways, while miles apart, are prone to difficult winter driving conditions and sudden road closures, the Ministry of Citizen’s Service says.
“We can’t change the weather, but we can make strategic investments to help expand highway cellular service in B.C. With these latest projects, we are on track to more than triple our target to increase highway cellular coverage,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services.
(Courtesy Government of B.C.)
Improved cellular service is coming to B.C. Highway 97, including Pine Pass.
According to Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services, Highway 97 often has difficult driving conditions, is prone to sudden road closures and has large gaps without cell service.
“We can’t change the weather, but we can make strategic investments to help expand highway cellular service in B.C. With these latest projects, we are on track to more than triple our target to increase highway cellular coverage, making our highways safer than ever before.”
The new project will fill in cellular gaps along 68 kilometres of Highway 97 between Chetwynd and the Highway 39 junction. This includes Pine Pass, which is prone to avalanches and sparsely populated. Cellular service will also be made available at the West Pine rest area and Powder King Mountain Resort.
“While miles apart, these two highways have many things in common. They can have difficult winter driving conditions, they’re prone to sudden road closures, and they have large gaps without cellular service,” says Beare.
In total, 90 km of new coverage will be provided, from Golden to Spillimacheen along Highway 95 and from Pine Pass to Chetwynd along Highway 97.
Both cellular projects are expected to be completed by October.
District of Chetwynd Mayor Allen Courtoreille notes the importance of cell service along Pine Pass, which is prone to avalanche conditions.
“When conditions are bad, such as during a storm, it can be a dangerous road to navigate. Bringing cell service to Highway 97 and Pine Pass will immediately make the route safer by enabling people to call for help during an emergency and for first responders to locate and support them,” says Courtoreille.
Up to ten centimetres of snow expected to fall along Highway 97 and Pine Pass
SHARE ON: Snow (Photo supplied by Pixabay)
A late blast of snow is headed in the direction of Highway 97 and the Pine Pass according to Environment Canada.
A system will bring 10 centimeters of snow to the area this afternoon and continue through the evening.
The snow is expected to ease up by tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.
Motorists should prepare to adjust their driving with changing road conditions.