Image Credit: Ministry of Transportation

By Victor Kaisar

Traffic Concerns

CSRD urging caution after safety concerns raised on Bruhn bridge detour route

Dec 16, 2024 | 2:52 PM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is urging drivers on HIghway 97A and 97B to be cautious of traffic pattern changes as work to replace the R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous is underway.

The CSRD will be initiating a safe driving campaign on social media after concerns were raised about vehicles on the detour route, which is in place to accomodate intermittent shutdowns of the Trans-Canada Highway between Salmon Arm and Sicamous.

In a statement, the CSRD says while new safety measures, including a traffic light, at the junction of the two highways, have been implemented, there are concerns because of changes to the layout of the passing lane on the hill going up Highway 97B.

“It’s extremely dangerous, the way they’ve got that set up,” CSRD Vice-Chair Kevin Flynn said, noting its difficult to see the lines on the road because of snow and dirt.

“I’ve already seen drivers going up the hill in the old passing lane, which is now the turning lane for traffic going in the opposite direction.”

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A look at the existing detour around the R.W Bruhn Bridge construction site. (Image Credit: Government of B.C.)

At their Dec. 13 meeting, the CSRD Board discussed a letter from Allysa Hopkins, a Director for the Regional District of North Okanagan.

“As the Director for Electoral Area ‘F’ representing Rural Enderby, I have received several concerns regarding the safety of the [Hwy 97A] and Hwy 97B intersection particularly considering the recent changes implemented because of the Bruhn Bridge construction,” Hopkins wrote.

“As the Bruhn Bridge project is anticipated to proceed for some time and the significance of the risks associated with the current infrastructure, I urge the Province to consider improvements to this intersection.”

Hopkins suggested a longer merging lane for traffic turning south on Highway 97A, a longer turning lane for traffic turning north on Highway 97B, and improved signs and road lines for the new left turn lane onto Highway 97A.

“The creation of this [left turn] lane in conjunction with the elimination of the previous passing lane for northbound traffic on [Highway 97B] has the potential to create significant confusion without adequate signage,” Hopkins wrote.

“The RDNO supports improvements in infrastructure such as the Bruhn Bridge project but want to ensure that they are appropriately supported with measure to ensure the continued safety of residents and visitors to the North Okanagan.”

Work to replace the 62-year-old Bruhn Bridge began in the fall, with work expected to be done by late 2027. The current detour is expected to add anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes to people’s travel times, depending on the time of year.

“I think we need a campaign to our residents and the community, just to pay attention,” CSRD Director and Sicamous Mayor Colleen Anderson said.

“We can’t bubble wrap everyone, but we can definitely send a message that they can pay attention, drive defensively and leave more time.”