 Traffic volume along the route is a major factor to determine highway classification, surface type, and construction upgrades.In British Columbia (BC), the NWWR starts in Dawson Creek at the intersection of BC Hwy 2 and BC Hwy 49. west of the intersection is BC Hwy 97, where BC Hwy 97 north is the start of the Alaska Highway while BC Hwy 97 south is named the "John Hart Highway".BC Hwy 49, also known as the "Spirit River Highway", travels for before reaching the Alberta border.