Washrooms at three rest-stops on the Coquihalla south of Merritt will be getting nearly $1-million in upgrades and accessibility improvements this year.

The B.C. Government says those washrooms are at the Coquihalla Lakes Rest Area, the Britton Creek Rest Area, and the Zopkios Commercial Vehicle Brake Check Facility for southbound travellers.

“These improvements are welcome news to all travellers on the Coquihalla, including commercial truck drivers who keep the delivery of our goods moving, residents and summer travellers,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“As a key travel route for the province, this investment will provide the upgrades needed to modernize and make the facilities along this corridor better.”

In a statement, the government says the work will include new exterior doors and frames, repairing and repainting interior walls as well as the building’s exterior, upgrades to the plumbing, fixtures, and lights as well as new countertops and sinks. There will also be repairs to the floors, as well as the installation of electric hot-water tanks and furnaces.

A dedicated family washroom will also be built at the Coquihalla Lakes and Zopkios facilities. There will also be more garbage bins added at the south end of the Zopkios brake check facility.

Work will be carried out by Yellowhead Road & Bridge, using local subcontractors. It is expected to get underway later this month, and be completed by the end of October.