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Two new bridges to be built along Highway 16 between Port Clements, Tlell

Ministry of Transportation says $5.4-million project expected to be complete in fall 2020
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The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced on Friday, May 29, 2020 that construction crews were starting work on a $5.4-million project to build two new bridges along Highway 16 between Port Clements and Tlell. (Karissa Gall/Haida Gwaii Observer)

Construction crews will start work in the coming weeks on a $5.4-million project to build two new bridges along Highway 16 on Haida Gwaii.

According to a May 29 release from the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the new bridges will ensure people can continue to travel safely and efficiently between Port Clements and Tlell.

Both of the new bridges will be two lanes and 21 metres long, constructed of concrete and steel to replace timber bridges at the end of their serviceable life.

One of the new bridges, the Gold Creek Bridge, will be located eight kilometres southeast of Port Clements.

The other new bridge, Geikie Creek Bridge No. 1, will be located 3.5 kilometres northwest of Tlell.

ALSO READ: Safer connections between Port Clements, Tlell

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, single-lane, detour bridges are being installed at the Gold Creek and Geikie No. 1 sites this week.

The detour bridges will allow single-lane, alternating traffic on Highway 16 for the duration of construction and the public can expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, visit @DriveBC on Twitter or DriveBC.ca.

The release said the construction contract was awarded to Formula Contractors Ltd. of Prince George, which is expected to complete the work in fall 2020.

The release also said the ministry is working closely with the contractor, the Council of the Haida Nation, local municipalities, and WorkSafeBC to ensure health and safety are maintained for all residents and workers.

Geikie Creek Bridge No. 2 and Geikie Creek Bridge No. 3 were built last year to replace bridges of similar construction and lifespan. Those bridges are also located along Highway 16 between Port Clements and Tlell.

Do you have something to add to this story or something else we should report on? Email:
karissa.gall@blackpress.ca.


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