A planning process is underway to explore options for reconnecting Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc lands and Kamloops as Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, marks one year since the Red Bridge, a vital connection between these communities, was destroyed by a fire.

The process is being led by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops. It includes a conceptual design for a modern replacement bridge on the original alignment, and will also assess other transportation solutions, review traffic and site data, and evaluate how potential options could affect adjacent infrastructure.

Since the loss of the bridge, the ministry has been working closely with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops to manage traffic impacts. Over the past year, the ministry has taken several steps to improve safety and reduce congestion in the area. The improvements include the installation of a centre median barrier on Highway 5 between the Valleyview Interchange and East Shuswap Road, the removal of the left-turn access from Highway 5 onto River Street and the extension of the left-turn lane onto Mount Paul Way.

In June 2025, cleanup and restoration work along the South Thompson River shoreline and nearby parkland was completed. This work was carried out in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops.

The ministry, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops remain committed to advancing the planning process as quickly as possible, with the shared goal of reconnecting these communities in a way that aligns with provincial requirements and positions the project for future funding opportunities.

The preferred options from the planning process are expected to be shared with the public in spring 2026. Updates will be available here: https://gov.bc.ca/tkemlupskamloopsnetwork