Whereas secondary roads in unincorporated areas of BC are typically maintained on a breakfix basis despite deteriorating conditions and increasing traffic; And whereas there is no publicly available plan for the upgrade and replacement of rural roads, culverts, and bridges: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to direct and fund the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to establish a capital asset management plan for secondary road networks across the province.
Ministry of Transportation and Transit The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is committed to maintaining British Columbias vast network of rural highways and sideroads, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for communities across the province. These roadways provide a critical lifeline for rural and remote communities, including many BC First Nations communities, supporting local economies and access to essential services. To ensure roads remain in good condition, the ministry conducts road surface condition analyses on main highway corridors annually and side roads bi-annually. This systematic evaluation allows the ministry to prioritize road surface rehabilitation, directing resources where they are most needed. The Province has made significant investments in secondary road networks, with dedicated annual funding. In 202526, an estimated 198 million will be spent on rural road improvementsan increase of 90 percent since 201920. The funding breakdown over recent years reflects the Provinces commitment to these critical transportation assets: 201920 104M 202021 127M 202223 178M 202324 180M 202425 186M 202526 198M This funding supports side road resurfacing projects, road repairs, stabilization, surface gravelling, culvert replacements, ditching, drainage improvements, brushing, shouldering, guardrail replacements, and durable pavement markingsensuring safer and more reliable transportation networks for communities. In addition to roadway improvements, the ministrys bridge rehabilitation and replacement program will allocate 181 million in 202526 to support both highway and side road bridges. Projects will be prioritized based on engineering assessments and condition analyses, ensuring long-term structural resilience and safety.