Sicamous, B.C. bridge replacement receives $225M in federal, provincial funding

SICAMOUS, B.C.—A project to replace the aging R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous, B.C. is one step closer to completion.

The federal and provincial governments announced $224.5 million in joint funding Nov. 16 to swap out the more than 50-year-old structure located on the Trans Canada Highway with one of two options, each with a $215 million price tag.

Option one would see construction of a 5-lane bridge with approach improvements. The second option would include 4 lanes with a new Main Street bridge and approach improvements.

The final decision, which was delayed in May due to ongoing fieldwork, is expected before the end of the year. B.C. anticipates a two-year design phase followed by a two- to three-year construction phase.

BC Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena said in a statement that replacing the bridge and widening the highway is part of the province’s commitment to four-laning the TCH.

“We also want to ensure local communities benefit from public infrastructure spending so our Trans Canada upgrades will bring job and training opportunities to people in the region,” she added.

The province considered rehabilitating the bridge, but opted to replace it given “the condition and constraints of the aging structure and the significant risk associated with its rehabilitation.”

Funding to replace the Bruhn Bridge comes from the federal government’s $180 billion infrastructure budget.