Roads posted Jun 14, 2024 @ 03:00pm by Cheyanna Lorraine

'Key' bridge on Hwy 1, south of Lytton will fully reopen in July

BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says a key bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway that was damaged in the 2021 floods will be fully opened next month.

The bridge at Falls Creek, which is about 20 kilometres south of Lytton, was one of several pieces of infrastructure damaged in November 2021.

Temporary structures were put in place on Highways 5, 3 and 1.Permanent repairs to Hwy 1 began in late 2022.

Now, the new three-lane, “climate-resilient” bridge is set to open ahead of the July long weekend.

<who> Photo Credit: BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

According to the MoTI, the bridge replaces a culvert that was washed out.

The bridge has also been given a new Indigenous name.

On Thursday, June 13, the bridge was renamed as CəX̣ ʷ Cixʷ (pronounced Check-Chow) Bridge in collaboration with local communities and the Nlaka’pamux Nation.

“The renaming underscores the Province's commitment to build safe, resilient infrastructure while honouring the cultural significance of the land to First Nation and local communities,” the province says.

Although the bridge will be fully reopened within the next couple of weeks, crews are still working in the area.

The MoTI warns motorists that until it opens, travellers can continue to expect short delays.

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