News Roads & Bridges
Repair of Kaslo Bridge set to begin on B.C.’s Highway 31

Work is about to start on a project to replace the existing Kaslo Bridge on Highway 31 with a new wider bridge.

The new bridge will boost safety, and capacity, for people travelling this route, according to a press release from the British Columbia government.

The existing Kaslo Bridge, which crosses the Kaslo River at the south entrance to the community, was built in 1966. The two-lane timber bridge is nearing the end of its service life and is ready to be replaced.

It will be replaced with a new, two-lane steel and concrete bridge, built to modern-day standards with a lifespan of 75 to 100 years. Once built, the new bridge will improve safety, reliability and capacity for drivers, making the route safer for cyclists and pedestrians with two-metre shoulders and a barrier-separated sidewalk. The new bridge will improve access and connectivity with the local road and trail network.

The project will also improve safety for drivers by aligning the intersection of Spruce Avenue and F Avenue, making it easier to navigate.

The contract has been awarded to BD Hall Constructors Corp. for $6.19 million. Construction is anticipated to start in mid-May and finish by November 2021.

Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include physical distancing and other protocols to ensure worker and public safety.