Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Marty Hastings

Red Bridge Work

Riverfront parks reopen but city officials urge caution near Red Bridge worksite

Oct 8, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — On the heels of the fire that destroyed the city’s oldest river crossing last month, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has determined the remaining sections of the Red Bridge need to be removed due to structural and safety concerns.

Kamloops RCMP have no update on the investigation into the suspicious blaze that sparked on Sept. 19 and destroyed the bridge, but the city is offering information on residential impact.

Cranes, barges and heavy equipment will be used during the complex removal process, which is expected to continue throughout the winter.

Pioneer Park and its boat launch are closed until further notice, with the city telling CFJC they could re-open in January. The McArthur Island boat launch will reopen as water levels permit.

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Meanwhile, Riverside Park beach, the waterfront park and Rivers Trail between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park were reopened Tuesday (Oct. 8), although residents can expect intermittent closures on the trail to accommodate work.

The city is monitoring impact on traffic, including on the Halston Bridge and on Columbia Street.

“Early numbers in working with the transportation team, we’re not seeing huge volumes that we have to adapt to,” said Joe Luison, the assistant operations manager with the City of Kamloops Civic Operations division. “There’s quite an infrastructure network around us… so it’s a bit of a detour and maybe a small inconvenience for some people but we don’t see a lot of volumes picking up throughout our other corridors at this time.”

The release notes the stretch of water on the South Thompson River between Pioneer Park and Riverside Park is closed to all boating. Boaters are reminded to be cautious of debris downstream to the west of the confluence.

“Please be patient with us,” said Luison. “Crews are doing as much as they can to keep the other facilities moving, open and anything we can in that area but it was a significant event that we’re trying to work through. Change is always a little tough for people. Just be patient, stay safe, stay clear of the area if you don’t need to be there and let that team do its work. We’ll try to accommodate our residents in other areas of the city.”