Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Victor Kaisar

Red Bridge Traffic

B.C. government looking at transportation options following Red Bridge fire

Dec 19, 2024 | 11:38 AM

KAMLOOPS — (UPDATE 4:00 p.m.): The B.C. government is working with the Tkemlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops on long-term planning to replace the Red Bridge, which was destroyed by a fire in September.

The Ministry of Transportation issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) Monday (Dec. 19) to “guide transportation planning options” in partnership with the City of Kamloops and Tkemlúps te Secwépemc following the loss of the 88-year-old bridge.

“The Red Bridge as it currently was was quite limited in capacity. It really only supported passenger vehicles. So a new bridge would obviously support much more,” Steve Sirett, the Ministry’s Executive Director for the Southern Interior, said.

“Given both the complexity of the site and the cultural significance of the site, what we learned in discussions with both Tkemlúps and the City was that we really need to take this opportunity to understand what all the transportation options would be.”

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Built in 1936, the Red Bridge connected Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and downtown Kamloops. Its loss has led to an increase in traffic disruptions as well as a larger volume of traffic on Highway 5.

“The Red Bridge was an important part of Kamloops’ transportation needs,” B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth said in a statement.

“By working closely with the community, we will develop a plan that reflects their priorities and provides safer, more sustainable connections for everyone.”

It’s not clear how long this planning work could take, though Sirett told CFJC Today that it could take as much as 12 to 18 months. He was hesitant to put a definite date when construction may begin, saying the planning phase is going to guide those timelines and what the bridge could look like.

In the meantime, Sirett says work to the clean up of the damaged structure is expected to continue through the winter.

“Its a complex operation to remove a structure from the river but it has been progressing well,” Sirett said. “Crews are working through some not so fun conditions but they’re doing an excellent job out there.”

“We’re still on that timeline because we want to make sure that we’re doing it thoughtfully and in consideration of the environment and consideration of the culturally significant area that it is.”

You can find more details about the work to replace the Red Bridge here.