Concerns are mounting about the potential for flooding of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Salmon River bridge.
A possible closure of the bridge is being contemplated by officials, as the water is currently only a few inches below the bridge deck and is lapping at the bridge beams.
Carl Bannister, chief administrative officer for the City of Salmon Arm says city staff are monitoring the situation, as are the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and their maintenance contractor JPW.
Ultimately a closure of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Salmon River Bridge would be determined by the ministry officials.
“It is definitely a concern as the waters are rising, but (a closure) is not in the immediate plan,” says Bannister.
The Ministry of Transportation reports that as of 4 p.m. Saturday the bridge remains open but is being monitored for rising river levels.
City roads and transportation supervisor Ted Whanstall says the banks of the Salmon River have overflowed in a number of areas and are also being monitored.
“Highway and JPW have been alerted and are monitoring. This is not the first time they have seen this occurrence, so they are very experienced with taking any next steps,” says Whanstall.
