Overlanders Bridge, July 22 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

OVERLANDERS BRIDGE

Overlanders Bridge project on schedule as crews ramp up construction

Jul 22, 2025 | 4:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — Construction on the Overlanders Bridge has entered Week 2, with crews working on replacing the bridge joints on the northbound lanes, along with the multi-use path. As is common with any major infrastructure project in Kamloops that delays or disrupts commutes, the city has been faced with online backlash.

Infrastructure Delivery Manager Matt Kachel explained the work done last week that has allowed process to now speed up.

“The traffic control setups are in. I know that people noted that there didn’t seem to be a lot of work going on but the first week was making sure that was all in place, adjusting signal timing, along with the contractor ramping up and exposing a joint so the engineer could review and confirm our design,” outlined Kachel. “Now that we have done that, many will see that a lot of work is happening.”

The first four weeks of the project are dedicated to Phase 1, which includes the multi-use path along the east side of the bridge. Engineers have also confirmed the city can remove a few of the joints.

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Kamloops' Trusted Property Manager - Rohit Kumar

May 20, 2025

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Forestry isn't a side industry

13h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: No winners in hockey assault trial

21h ago

“There were a few that were a bit redundant, and then through the bridge engineer assessment, they found that these could be removed for a smoother ride,” said Kachel. “Not all of them, obviously, but a few of them through their design, so we are able to get those out of there. The good news with that is it’s one less joint to maintain, like we have to do here, when we go back to do this again hopefully in ten-plus years or more.”

While congestion during peak hours is still high, most people are understanding of the project’s necessity and giving themselves extra time.

“There is a lot planning that needs to go in if you do need to go over there,” a local resident told CFJC News. “We quite often are over on that side of the bridge for our son’s sports and it does make it tricky having to need an extra hour or more to consider being there on time for these event.”

Some are even still crossing the bridge for downtown shops despite the time commitment.

“I thought I would come down and pick up a few things and then travel back on the bus,” added another resident stopped downtown. “I’m not sure how long it’s going to take me but I have all afternoon.”

Kachel noted his team has already made changes to the light timings in the area and continues to monitor traffic flow on a daily basis.

“It’s actually day-to-day — it’s even more tight than that. We may make the adjustments based on a week of data and then make the signal timing adjustment once we’ve seen it just to make sure there isn’t an anomaly there,” said Kachel.

Kachel stated the work is on schedule, with crews starting as early as 4:00 a.m. on some mornings.