Friday marks one year since the Red Bridge burned down and left Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc lands semi-disconneected from downtown Kamloops.
The province has announced that planning for the replacement option is underway and preferred options are expected to be shared with the public in the spring.
On Thursday, BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit said the planning process includes a conceptual design for a modern replacement bridge on the same alignment as the old bridge.
Planning will assess transportation solutions, review traffic and site data, and evaluate how potential options could affect adjacent infrastructure.
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“The ministry, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops remain committed to advancing the planning process as quickly as possible, with the shared goal of reconnecting these communities in a way that aligns with provincial requirements and positions the project for future funding opportunities,” the news release said.
Since the bridge burned down, those three parties have been collaborating to manage traffic impacts.
That includes the installation of a centre median barrier on Highway 5 between the Valleyview Interchange and East Shuswap Road.
In addition, the left-turn access from Highway 5 onto River Street was removed and the left-turn lane onto Mount Paul Way was extended.
Updates on the planning process, including dates for the public consultation, will be shared through this link.
The historic Red Bridge, which was built in 1936, burned down on Sept. 19, 2024.
Shortly after the fire, the RCMP said they believed it was caused by arson. To date, no update has been provided by the police.
Clean up work, which included water quality monitoring, began in October 2024 but wasn't fully completed until this spring.
