A smoother drive from Prince Rupert to Terrace is coming with the province adding an extended passing lane on Highway 16 by Rainbow Summit.
Two-kilometres will be added to the existing passing lane 30-kilometres east of Prince Rupert at Rainbow Summit.
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone anticipates construction to begin this summer.
"Increasing passing opportunities for motorists will go a long way toward improving safety along Highway 16, as well as making the highway more reliable and efficient for commercial traffic," Stone said. "These upgrades are necessary because of the growing industrial development activity in the northwest and the expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert."
The province is also adding a new two-kilometre eastbound passing lane on Highway 16 near Tyhee Lake, east of Telkwa Village between Houston and Smithers. The Bulkley View rest area will also be renovated.
Both projects are expected to be completed by the fall, with work starting in June, stated the press release.
Funding for the two passing lanes was announced last October, with $37.7-million from the federal and provincial governments for a total of five passing lanes on Highway 16 and Highway 37. The ministry said the remaining three projects will be tackled next year.