Construction has commenced to replace the Horse Lake Bridge.
In a frequently asked questions pamphlet that was published by the District of 100 Mile House on Facebook on April 22, the District of 100 Mile House stated that the "construction was set to begin immediately." Archaeologists had begun conducting a site impact assessment, as well as monitoring the removal of a utility pole and trees to prepare for the first phase of construction, which is the installation of a temporary bridge.
"They're removing some trees where the temporary bridge will go. So work has already started," said Todd Conway, the director of community services for the District of 100 Mile House.
A temporary two-lane bridge will be installed to provide traffic flow along Horse Lake Road during the removal and construction phases, and there will be brief closures to accommodate construction. Updates and information regarding the bridge replacement will also be posted on the District of 100 Mile House's website.
The frequently asked questions pamphlet goes into detail about the bridge replacement project, including giving answers to questions such as why the bridge is being replaced. In 2014, an assessment of the bridge's condition led to it being deemed to be less than satisfactory, with load restrictions being added to extend the life of the existing structure until it could be replaced.
It also outlines the budget's cost, how the district is paying for the bridge, the contractor and the project budget. Originally, it had been constructed in 1949 and had been under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation until 1991, when it was transferred to the care of the District due to a classification change.
The construction of the bridge is also being funded thanks to a grant from the Canada Infrastructure Program - Rural and Northern Communities Program, which provided $1,748,000 to the District of 100 Mile House. Remaining costs will be funded through "a combination of development cost charge reserves and community forest reserves," according to the FAQ pamphlet.
The expected service life of the bridge will be 100+ years, with Coquitlam Ridge Constructors contracted to complete the project for $4,576,778.05.
Conway says that the bridge is set to be completed in 2026.
