A $3.7-million project to rehabilitate the Hagwilget Bridge near New Hazelton will make this crossing safer for families and commercial users.

This historic, single-lane steel suspension bridge is located on the Hazelton High Level Road about two kilometres north of Highway 16 at New Hazelton. The bridge is a busy crossing for commercial vehicles, residents and tourists travelling over the scenic Bulkley River Canyon, providing access to the Kispiox Valley.

A $3.7-million contract was awarded to Forbes Industrial Contractors Ltd. of Prince George. Work began in June and will finish by mid-December.

This project is part of the more than $28 million in highway infrastructure improvements in the Northwest this year. Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested nearly $1 billion in the Northwest in highway improvements, maintenance, and community infrastructure improvements.

Quote:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Hagwilget Bridge is a key transportation route in this region, not only for commercial traffic, but for families as well as tourists visiting this spectacular part of British Columbia. The bridge's heritage value is also an important part of B.C. history and upgrading the structural components will ensure it remains safe and efficient for many years to come."

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Contact:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241