iN VIDEO: No decisions on new crossing as remains of Kamloops' Red Bridge removed | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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iN VIDEO: No decisions on new crossing as remains of Kamloops' Red Bridge removed

The Red Bridge connected Kamloops and Tk'emlups te Secwepemc for 89 years before it burnt down in September 2024. By early January, crews appear almost finished removing its debris.

Cleanup crews in Kamloops hauled what appears to be the Red Bridge's last truss from the river this past weekend.

Precariously connected remains of the bridge splashed into the water as a crane carefully hoisted the northernmost truss from the water. A dive crew was on standby as workers guided the burnt structure above the South Thompson River and placed it onto a barge around noon Jan. 5.

Onlookers from Rivers Trail periodically stopped to gaze at the final pieces of the 88-year-old wood bridge were removed.

While some of the support structure is still standing, nothing will be left behind once crews are done with the cleanup job. A Ministry of Transportation spokesperson said every piece will be removed before crews finish the job and leave Pioneer Park, which has been made a worksite since the fire more than three months ago.

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The Red Bridge was destroyed in a suspected arson in September 2024 that burnt outward from the centre of the span through the night. Though it was built in 1936, it was the third bridge to be built at the same South Thompson crossing since 1887, which connected Kamloops to the Tk'emlups reserve.

A new bridge was promised in the provincial election, but subsequent plans to replace it haven't been guaranteed.

Last month, the province issued a call for consultants to study improvements to the road network connecting the city to the reserve.

According to government documents, consultants are open to consider traffic improvements, particularly from the bridge at Battle Street and Highway 5 to Halston Avenue.

While it could be a new bridge in the same place, it could mean a new location or no bridge at all. Consultants are also open to consider a crossing that's open to only active transportation or one that also includes vehicles.

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The Red Bridge was only rated to handle vehicles that weighed up to four tonnes, but it wasn't uncommon for large commercial trucks to mistakenly use the crossing. It's not clear whether the province is giving clear direction on commercial transport options.

The government documents mention a recent traffic study that examined the increased strain on Highway 5 through Tk'emlups, an issue that has caused concern for municipal officials. The Ministry of Transportation did not provide the study to iNFOnew.ca upon request, but consultants will be provided a copy for the study.

There's no timeline for a decision from the province to build a new bridge. The government is expected to consult with Tk'emlups and the City of Kamloops before deciding on the best new option for the crossing.

Meanwhile, Pioneer Park remains closed as crews continue their cleanup work. The Ministry said the bridge removal and beach repair will continue through the winter.

The ongoing arson investigation has not resulted in any charges so far.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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