Work is set to begin to replace the 55-year-old timber Sombrio No. 1 Bridge to improve safety and reliability for residents and tourists.

Photo of the current bridge (flickr.com)

The bridge is located on Highway 14, approximately 15 kilometres east of Port Renfrew. The project includes replacing the single-lane structure with a two-lane concrete and steel bridge, which includes 1.5 metres of paved shoulders.

The project also includes paving and realigning the bridge approaches and resurfacing a 5.4-kilometre section of Highway 14 east from Sombrio ending near Lines Creek.

Windley Contracting of Nanaimo will carry out the work, which will begin this month and is expected to finish in October.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Highway 14 is part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route and a vital link between Victoria and Port Renfrew. Replacing this aging structure will improve the safety and reliability of this important corridor and ensure a safe crossing for years to come."

Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong -

"Sombrio Bridge is integral to connecting Port Renfrew with Victoria. It is a high-use thoroughfare, and replacing the original aging structure with a two-lane steel bridge will provide local jobs, alleviate heavy traffic and increase safety for families travelling the corridor."

Quick Facts:

• Including this project, approximately 22 kilometres have been resurfaced along Highway 14 near Port Renfrew since 2010.
• Previous work in the area includes improvements to the Baird and Murton bridges and replacing the timber Sombrio No. 3 Bridge with a new concrete structure.

Learn More:

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online at: www.tranbc.ca

Contact:

Jeff Knight
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-7707