(UPDATE) Enbridge moves ahead with construction despite stall on South Taylor road improvements

Updated, July 1st, 4:50 p.m.: A previous version of this story included inaccuracies, including that the South Taylor construction is part of the Sunrise Expansion program. It is in fact part of the Aspen Point program. This story was updated to correct the errors and Energeticcity.ca is happy to set the record straight.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Construction in Taylor off Highway 97 has begun while improvements to a nearby intersection used by the trucks are still being considered by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

Enbridge has begun construction on a new compressor station in South Taylor to support new infrastructure planned as part of the Aspen Point program, an expansion of the T-North segment of the Westcoast pipeline system. The T-North and T-South sections combined stretch from northeast B.C. to the American border. 

According to a presentation to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) on May 27th, Aspen Point is planned to be in service by the end of 2026.

A resident of the area told Energeticcity.ca that Enbridge had spoken to residents about road improvements for the Pingle Creek Road and Highway 97 intersection at community information meetings, including a turning lane to limit the dangers of large trucks exiting and entering the highway. 

Enbridge told Energeticcity.ca it has graded and addressed soft spots on Pingle Creek Road and is working closely with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit towards improving the intersection of Highway 97 and Pingel Creek Road.

The resident told Energeticcity.ca that trucks travel up and down the road delivering fill and gravel. 

“We still don’t have an improvement on our road access from Highway 97,” he said.

He stated he believes the ministry is “holding it up,” and claimed he contacted the ministry himself but was directed to Enbridge. 

In a statement to Energeitccity.ca, Enbridge said traffic signage is currently in place for heavy equipment drivers using the area, but the company is awaiting the approval of permits from the ministry to begin construction on the improvements to the intersection.

The ministry told Energeticcity.ca it is “working with Enbridge to help them finalize” the intersection. 

“The design approval process is nearing completion, after which Enbridge will begin construction [of the road],” the ministry stated.

Energeticcity.ca will update this story as more information becomes available.