VANCOUVER -- Mounties in BC will announce on Tuesday a significant investigation into 18 missing and murdered women along the so-called Highway of Tears, in a plea for more information.

It has long been speculated that one or more serial killers might be at work along the stretch of road on Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and Prince George in southern BC.

The announcement is expected to span two days, with initial details revealed Tuesday morning and subsequent announcements by investigators in Prince George and Kamloops detachments the next day.

The Highway of Tears became infamous after many missing and murdered women disappeared while hitchhiking along the notorious stretch of Highway 16, as well as nearby Highways 5 and 97.

Police have announced they will be accompanied by a representative from the U.S. as well as a victim's family member at the press conference.

Police promise lengthy details into the case - known also as E-PANA - allotting 45 minutes to explain just the background of the missing and murdered women to reporters, prior to the news conference beginning.

Family members of some victims have estimated more than three dozen have gone missing or been killed along the highways.