Ford Road to Tappen Valley Road - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about the Ford Road to Tappen Valley Road project. 

Last updated: September 20, 2023

On this page:

• Routes
  • Visit the Future Routes page to see maps and descriptions of suggested routes.
• Construction Information
  • What is the current status of this project?
  • How much will the project cost? How is it funded?
  • When will construction start and how long will it take to build?
  • How can I submit a bid? Does the ministry require my services?
  • What will be constructed first?
  • Will there be any construction-related delays, closures or stoppages?
  • How will local traffic be accommodated during construction?
  • How can I apply to work on the project?
  • What is the ministry doing with the trees that were cleared as part of early work?
  • When will frontage road construction be complete?
  • What improvements are planned at James Road, which is currently closed?

• About the project
  • How will the project improve safety?
  • Why is a new Tappen Overhead bridge needed? Can the existing bridge be repaired for ongoing use?
  • How will the project accommodate pedestrians and cyclists?
  • What has been done to minimize impacts to neighbouring properties?
  • How will the Ford Road to Tappen Valley Road project impact noise levels?
  • What will the new posted speed limits be after completion of the project?

Construction Information

What is the current status of this project?

The project design is complete, and the ministry has issued notice of tender for construction to begin in late 2023. Pre-construction work is underway.

When will construction start and how long will it take to build?

In March 2023, the ministry issued a notice of tender for construction. Registered supplier submissions are due in June 2023. Roadway construction is planned to begin in late 2023 and is expected to be complete by 2026.

Early works began in 2020 including relocating BC Hydro infrastructure and localized tree clearing.

How can I submit a bid? Does the ministry require my services?

For more information about active procurements, please visit the Province’s e-procurement site at BCBid.

What will be constructed first?

Construction sequencing will be scheduled by the successful contractor. The ministry will work closely with the contractor to ensure that construction activities are completed efficiently and effectively, with plenty of advance notice and on-road information signs to minimize disruption and keep traffic moving.

Will there be any construction-related delays, closures or stoppages?

Some traffic pattern changes will be required during construction, and this may include brief, temporary disruptions and/or detours to help keep workers safe and keep traffic moving while construction is underway. The contractor will be required to develop and implement an approved traffic management plan that meets ministry standards.

The ministry will provide advance notice of significant construction-related changes so that everyone can plan accordingly. General updates will be available on the project web page. Construction events and current road conditions will be posted to Drive BC.

How will local traffic be accommodated during construction? 

Traffic management and communication plans will be implemented to keep travellers and workers safe, to provide timely information, and to minimize disruptions.

Primary access to residences and businesses will be maintained as much as possible. Property owners will be notified in advance if temporary restrictions are required. 

Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained with some temporary detours. Signage will be in place to help ensure safety for everyone.

How can I apply to work on the project?

The selected contractor will be responsible for all aspects of construction, in accordance with  BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) requirements that ensure British Columbians get access to good-paying, career-building jobs, skills development and apprenticeships. The ministry will post notice of award once procurement is complete. BCIB offers information for both contractors seeking information about working on projects with Community Benefits Agreements and employees seeking career opportunities.

What is the ministry doing with the trees that were cleared as part of early work?

The ministry contracted with Skwlax Resource Management (SRM), an operating company of the Little Shuswap Lake Band, for tree removals required to make room for this vital roadway widening project. As part of this agreement, SRM retained the surplus wood for reuse.

For more information about the ministry’s partnership with Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Skwlāx), please visit the main project page.

When will frontage road construction be complete? 

Our goal is to minimize disruption as much as possible during construction, including maintaining access to local amenities.

More information will be available once the selected contractor’s construction staging plan and traffic management plan is complete. 

What improvements are planned at James Road, which currently is closed?

The project includes improvements to the James Road/Sunnybrae Road intersection which will form part of the new frontage road system to better serve local traffic. For more information about the project design, please see the reference design.

About the project

How will the project improve safety?

Four-laning with median and roadside barrier greatly reduces the potential for head on collisions and reduces unsafe passing maneuvers.

The intersection of Highway 1 and Sunnybrae Canoe-Point Road will be upgraded to a right-in, right-out interchange. This will eliminate left turn movements from Trans-Canada Highway 1 onto Sunnybrae Canoe-Point Road, reducing potential for collisions.

The new protected T‑intersection at Tappen Valley Road will provide safe acceleration and deceleration opportunities and provide space for turning vehicles to wait for a safe opportunity to merge with highway traffic.

New frontage roads with designated highway access points that have acceleration/deceleration lanes will greatly reduce the likelihood of collision when entering/exiting the highway.

Improved highway elevation and curves will improve sightlines for travellers, making the highway safer and more efficient at a higher speed limit  than before.

Why is a new Tappen Overhead bridge needed? Can the existing bridge be repaired for ongoing use?

While still safe for use, the old Tappen Overhead bridge was more than 50 years old and would have required major rehabilitation to remain operational over the long term.

The new Tappen Overhead bridge not only offers better long-term performance, it also makes it faster and more convenient to complete the Highway 1 widening to four lanes through this section of the corridor.

How much will the project cost? How is it funded?

The project budget is $243 million. It is jointly funded by the Province ($160.86 million) and the Government of Canada under the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund ($82.14 million).

How will the project accommodate pedestrians and cyclists?

Trans-Canada Highway 1 widening will include 3-metre shoulders on both sides, which pedestrians and cyclists can use.

The new frontage road system will include shoulders for local walking and cycling and serve as an alternative Active Transit route for cyclists and pedestrians who prefer to avoid the highway. The shoulder width for the frontage roads throughout the project will vary (between 0.5 to 1.5 metres) based on posted speed limits and forecast traffic volumes.

What has been done to minimize impacts to neighbouring properties?

Throughout design, the project team has worked with affected property owners to share information, discuss options and develop solutions that minimize potential impacts. Some properties and portions of properties have been purchased at fair value to create an improved design with proper compensation.

How will the Ford Road to Tappen Valley Road project impact noise levels?

Considering the new highway design and forecast traffic volumes, the project is not expected to result in a noticeable change in noise levels.

A baseline noise study was conducted and the ministry may conduct a post-construction noise assessment to determine changes in noise levels and whether noise mitigation should be considered.

What will the new posted speed limits be after completion of the project?

The posted speed limit for this segment of Trans-Canada Highway 1 (Ford Road to Tappen Valley Road) will increase from 90km/h to 100km/h, consistent with previously completed four-laning to the west.

East of the Tappen Overhead Bridge, the posted speed limit on Trans-Canada Highway 1 will remain 90km/h.

The speed limit for Kirkpatrick Road, Tappen Station Road, James Road and Tappen Valley Road will remain the same as before the project (50km/h).

The speed limit on Sunnybrae – Canoe Pt Road will remain at 60 km/h.