By Sheldon Clare

Op-ed

Road Safety and Infrastructure in Prince George – North Cariboo: A Critical Priority

Mar 7, 2025 | 6:57 AM

The people of Prince George – North Cariboo deserve safe roads, reliable infrastructure, and a government that listens. As the MLA for this riding, I have heard the frustrations of my constituents loud and clear. From aging bridges to deteriorating highways, road closures, and dangerous winter conditions, our communities are struggling with a failing transportation network that is being ignored by the provincial government. Enough is enough.

Last month, I wrote to Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth, outlining the urgent transportation concerns raised at the North Cariboo Transportation Town Hall in Quesnel. Local representatives, community groups, medical professionals, and everyday citizens all voiced their concerns, painting a grim picture of the state of our regional transportation system.

Highway 97 and the Quesnel North-South Interconnector: A Safety and Economic Imperative

One of the most pressing concerns is the condition of the Highway 97 Quesnel River Bridge and the Quesnel Rail Overhead Bridge. These structures have reached the end of their service life, yet instead of taking immediate action, the provincial government continues to delay and downplay the severity of the situation. Recent reports even indicate that chunks of concrete are falling from the Quesnel River Bridge, posing a significant safety risk to the public. This is unacceptable.

Beyond safety, the long-overdue Quesnel North-South Interconnector is essential for economic development, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing the movement of goods and services. The government must prioritize this project before these critical transportation links fail entirely.

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Quesnel-Hixon Road and Olson Road: Rural Routes in Crisis

The closure of Quesnel-Hixon Road has had devastating consequences, demonstrating the lack of alternative routes in emergencies. In November, after a tragic accident at Hush Lake shut down Highway 97, a premature baby in critical need of medical attention was unable to be transported for some 12 hours. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a matter of life and death.

Meanwhile, the Olson Road access, for people living in that area, is in a deplorable state. Large potholes, insufficient winter maintenance, and the lack of turning lanes at the Highway 97 intersection have turned this road into a hazard for school buses, logging trucks, hay trucks and everyday drivers. The province must ensure that our communities have access to safe, reliable roads, regardless of where they live.

Other Road Recovery Projects: Long Overdue Fixes

Transportation issues in Prince George – North Cariboo extend beyond major highways. Residents have voiced concerns about several Cariboo Road Recovery Projects, including the Kersley-Dale Landing Project, the Durrell Road slide situation, and the deteriorating state of Highway 26. The cost estimates for some of these projects are inexplicably high, raising serious questions about how taxpayer money is being spent. Local contractors have suggested the Kersley-Dale Landing Project could be completed for less than the estimated $6 million cost. Where is the transparency?

Winter Road Maintenance: A Consistent Failure

During my recent tour of the region with MLA Harman Bhangu, the Opposition Transportation critic, we witnessed firsthand the inconsistencies in winter road maintenance. Residents are frustrated by inconsistent sanding, unreliable plowing schedules, and dangerous icy conditions. While local contractors do their best under challenging conditions, the provincial government must ensure that highway maintenance agreements are enforced and that service levels meet the needs of northern communities.

The Government’s Inexcusable Neglect

Premier David Eby promised to pay closer attention to the needs of northern communities. Yet when given the opportunity to engage with my constituents at our transportation town hall, neither the Minister of Transportation nor any representative from his ministry could attend.

The people of Prince George – North Cariboo deserve better. Safe roads are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity. If the government continues to delay action, more lives will be put at risk, more economic opportunities will be lost, and our communities will continue to suffer. It is time for real investment in rural infrastructure, not more excuses and political spin.

I will continue to fight for the residents of my riding, ensuring their voices are heard. The provincial government must act now before another preventable tragedy occurs. Our roads should not be an afterthought – They must be a priority.

Editors note: The views expressed in this column do not necessarily represent the views of Pattison Media.