New bridge construction in Sicamous not impacted by fatal semi crash
The $260-million project to replace the bridge in Sicamous that’s been in the works for years will begin in the next few weeks.
The replacement of the R.W. Bruhn Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway over the Sicamous Narrows between Shuswap and Mara lakes will get underway “in the coming weeks,” according to a BC Ministry of Transportation media release issued Wednesday, Sept. 4.
A semi driver was killed, Aug. 24, when his rig plunged from the bridge and ended up in the channel. The truck hit the west end of the bridge, crossed the bridge deck and drove through the south side railing, plunging into the water below.
The ministry said the incident won’t affect the scope or timing of the construction project.
Along with the replacement of the bridge with a four-lane structure and a separate multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, 1.9 kilometres of Highway 1 will also go from two lanes to four, and the intersections between Old Sicamous Road and Silver Sands Road will be upgraded.
The project will cost a total of $260 million with $91 million of that from the federal government.
Once construction starts in the coming weeks drivers can expect delays. Traffic updates will be posted to DriveBC.
For more information and updates on the project go to the ministry’s web page here.
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