The Salmon River Bridge Highway project west of Salmon Arm is underway. Thanks to Mayors Bootsma, Cooper and their councils, this important highway improvement is becoming a reality.
The first phase of this project includes the replacement of the bridge.
The new highway alignment will allow for a straightened bridge to be built, and will take much of the curve out of this portion of the highway.
The first contract has been let. A $9.9 million dollar preloading contract was awarded to Jakes Construction Ltd., a large firm out of Chilliwack. Geotechnical work will take place over the next few months, with preload expected in the spring. We know our gravel pits will be providing preload, and are confident our local trucking firms will be accessed.
The project, with a Fall 2022 completion date, will really help with traffic flow. Having four travel lanes from 1st Avenue SW through the highway corridor into Salmon Arm, will allow traffic to flow much smoother.
Related: Preloading for Salmon Arm West project to begin early 2019
Included in this highway upgrade is a separated walking and bicycle path alongside the frontage road on the south side of the highway. The present highway will serve as the frontage road in front of DeMille’s and Pedro’s. The project includes the completion of the frontage road on the south side from the Woodsman through to Westgate Market.
The second project we are working hard on is the Ross Street Underpass. Council has adopted the necessary borrowing bylaws to ensure this project can move forward.
Presently, the design drawings are being completed. Our timeline is to have these drawings finalized by early spring. We hope to go to tender and award the contract by July, 2019.
We plan on a one-year construction window, with the project to be completed by July 2020.
The Ross Street Underpass, with two traffic lanes and sidewalks on both sides, will be a crucial transportation link for pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic to move from the downtown to our water front, and vice versa.
On behalf of all of council I would like to pass on wishes for a Merry Christmas and a restful and family-filled holiday season!
@SalmonArmnewsroom@saobserver.netLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
