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The Coquihalla Highway is getting a $17.6-million upgrade to boost safety for commercial truckers.

B.C.’s Transportation minister Todd Stone said the project will include an expansion of the Box Canyon chain-up area, which is located about 30 kilometres north of Hope on Highway 5. The expansion will accommodate up to 70 trucks.

The B.C. government says the expansion will ensure truck drivers have a safe place to put chains on their trucks, which is expected to help reduce accidents, save lives and keep the highway open. The upgrades in the area will also include new deceleration and acceleration lanes, washroom facilities and more parking.

The federal government will contribute up to $7.3 million to the project, while the provincial government will spend $10.3 million.