Quesnel Connector Proposed

Feb 8, 2018 | 9:58 AM

QUESNEL — While the weather was less-than-ideal for an open house, some did show up in Quesnel to see what is being proposed to get truck traffic and other industrial traffic out of the downtown of the community. Currently, Highway 97 into Quesnel becomes a pinch-point for both north- and south-bound traffic. But, while a bypass has been considered for decades, the concept was always vehemently opposed by downtown merchants, who were worried that not only the truck traffic would bypass the community, so would the tourists. But, the Quesnel Business Association, which represents downtown merchants, met with the Province yesterday in advance of the open house.

“I would say times have changed and safety is a priority,” says Mitchell Vick, President of the QBA. “Also, the proposal that’s on the table, we think that’s pretty decent. Frankly, it’s not far removed from the downtown.”

What is being proposed is a connector. Traffic would move north across the Quesnel River Bridge. But instead of turning left and heading into the downtown, the route would have industrial traffic turn right onto the new connector. It would skirt the east side of the downtown and re-connect with Highway 97 just south of the collection of mills.

The Province is now seeking public input with all the information available here.