Prince George-based IDL Projects Inc. has been awarded a contract to build a new, $34.2 million commercial vehicle inspection station on Highway 16, east of Terrace, B.C.
Construction on the new inspection station is expected to begin this spring, according to a statement issued by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The project will replace a former inspection station, which was decommissioned when a roundabout was installed at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 37.
Construction is expected to be complete in late 2024. The new station will include new technology, including the ability to weigh trucks while in motion.
“Weigh-in-motion reduces reporting requirements while enhancing compliance on the Highway 16 corridor,” a statement issued by the ministry on Wednesday said. “This technology checks the height, weight and safety credentials of vehicles registered with the Province through Weigh2GoBC that are travelling at highway speeds, without vehicles having to leave the highway. This project includes one weigh-in-motion site on Highway 16.”
The station will also include automatic vehicle identification technology, over-height detectors and a tire anomaly and classification system.
“Long-haul commercial drivers will also benefit from additional parking spaces and rest areas. Flush toilets with running water will be open during office hours, supplemented by pit toilets that are always accessible,” the ministry statement said. “Both local and commercial drivers will see improved mobility across the highway corridor and a decrease in traffic disruptions and delays with the new station located further away from the Highway 16 and 37 roundabout.”
The station will include five short-term truck parking stalls, 10 overnight truck parking stalls, plug-ins for refrigeration units, available wi-fi and a staging area for oversized loads.
Transport Canada provided the province $15 million toward the cost of the project.
