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Northwest Corridor Improvements Program

Map of the Northwest Corridor Improvements Program showing locations along Highway 3 where projects will take place. Including Wi-Fi at rest areas at 1. North Burrage, 2 Bob Quiinn, 3. Bell 1 and Chain-up Areas at 1. Bell 1, 2. Windy Hill, 3. Meziadin and Passing Opportunities at 1. Iskut NB, 2. Burrage Hill NB, 3. Burrage Hill SB, 4. Echo Hill, 5. Hanna Hill SB, 6. Hanna Hill NB and Highway Weideninig at 1. Iskut, 2 Tataggo South, 3. Bell 1. Operating Mines are also on the map including Red Chris, KSM, Bruce Jack and Premier Gold.

Overview map of Highway 37 and 37A corridor improvements, including Wi-Fi at rest areas, chain-up areas, passing opportunities, and highway widening.

Highway 37, Highway 37A and Highway 51 are vital routes that connect people and businesses in northern B.C. with essential goods, services and transportation links.

The Federal Government and the Province have committed $195 million to improve these corridors as a result of an investment from the Province and Natural Resources Canada’s First and Last Mile Fund (formerly the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund).

Based on input gathered from First Nations, local governments, communities and industry through the Highway 37 and 37A Corridor Study, the Northwest Corridor Improvements Program is anticipated to address specific narrow sections of the corridor, lack of passing opportunities and limited communication services.

The improvements will increase the safety and reliability of the corridor and support the development of critical mineral resources in Northwest British Columbia. The Ministry began implementing projects in 2025 with program completion anticipated by 2030.

Overview map of Highway 37 and 37A corridor improvements, including Wi-Fi at rest areas, chain-up areas, passing opportunities, and highway widening.

Services and information topics

Wi-Fi at Rest Areas

Remote Wi-Fi installation at rest areas will provide free and reliable internet access to the public who travel along Highway 37 and Highway 37A.

These pilot projects will be implemented at Bell 1, Bob Quinn and North Burrage Brake Check rest areas.

Chain-Up Areas

New chain-up areas will enhance safety and operational efficiency during winter conditions along Highway 37 and 37A.

These new areas will be located near Meziadin Junction, the existing Windy Hill chain-up area and Bell 1 rest area and will generally include paved pullouts, garbage cans and toilets.

Passing Opportunities

Passing opportunities along the highway corridor will improve safety and traffic flow by allowing drivers to pass slow-moving vehicles safely.

These passing opportunities will be located near Hanna Hill, Echo Hill, Burrage Hill and the Iskut Airstrip.

Highway Widening

Highway widening will address narrow sections along the corridor. These improvements will increase safety and improve winter maintenance by providing a wider driving surface.

Three priority locations have been selected for highway widening, at Bell 1 North, Iskut North and Tatogga South.

Highway 51

Highway 51 will see improvements designed to increase safety and reliability for communities that use this route.

These improvements could include gravelling, clearing, widening of narrow sections and minor realignments.

Contact information

Friendly url for this page:
gov.bc.ca/northwestcorridor

For more information contact:

Media Inquiries Phone
250-565-6185
Email
NCIP@gov.bc.ca