“The project is being undertaken to improve safety,” said Knight. “The accident rate there was higher than the provincial average, so the new structure and its improved approaches will increase safety and the reliability of the highway.”
Great Circle Construction Company Ltd. was awarded the contract for approximately $7.2 million for design, engineering, construction, and replacement of the bridge, realignment of bridge approaches, construction of the overhead CPR crossing and relocation of the Corbin Road intersection and B.C. Hydro, Telus and Shaw utility lines.
The construction had an original projected completion date of Sept. 30th, 2010, but was pushed back ten months to July 15th, 2011.
“Difficulty securing reliable gravel supply last year, wet weather, and this year’s late spring were all factors that delayed the contractor,” said Knight.
Until construction is complete, motorists will continue to travel on the existing stretch of highway, with a reduced speed limit of 50 km/h.
“The Ministry will be paving the stretch we are currently using to get rid of some of the roughness during construction and to ensure it is drive-able,” said Harold Schwindt of Mainroad Ltd., the ministry’s local area highway contractor responsible for road maintenance.