Remaining parts of the Red Bridge coming down, Kamloops parks remain closed

The remaining structures of the Red Bridge, which was destroyed in a fire last month, will be removed and the city says the work is expected to continue through the winter.

The bridge burned down on Sept. 19 and investigators believe arson is to blame.

According to the latest update from the city and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, crews with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be removing the remaining components.

“Following an inspection, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) has confirmed that the remaining sections of the Red Bridge will need to be removed due to structural and safety concerns and to support the cleanup of debris from the Thompson River,” the city said in a news release issued Tuesday morning.

“Minimizing environmental impacts on the Thompson River is critical.”

Over the next few weeks and potentially months, residents will notice cranes, barges and heavy equipment working in the area removing the damaged infrastructure.

Transport Canada and BC’s MoTI have ordered the portion of the river between Pioneer and Riverside parks to remain closed to all boating.

Pioneer Park and its boat launch will remain fully closed until further notice.

However, Riverside Park Beach, Waterfront Park and the Rivers Trail between Pioneer and Riverside parks will be reopened as of Tuesday.

The McArthur Island boat launch will be reopened as water levels permit.

People are reminded to be cautious of debris downstream of the confluence, the city said.

According to the city, BC’s MoTI is monitoring the traffic levels on key detour corridors including the Halston Bridge and Columbia Street to address any potential traffic impacts due to the loss of the bridge.

No update has been made on the RCMP investigation at this time.