A contract has been awarded to build a new two-lane bridge over Corya Creek at Moricetown on Highway 16, approximately 36 kilometres west of Smithers.

The existing crossing at Corya Creek is almost 50 years old and has reached the end of its service life. A 23-metre steel and concrete bridge will be built to replace the existing multiplate structure, as well as new and stronger approaches.

The $2.05-million contract for the project has been awarded to Forbes Industrial of Prince George. Work will begin next week and is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

Highway 16 is the main east-west route in the North and is a key corridor for commercial traffic and tourist travel. It also services the port of Prince Rupert and intersects with Highway 37, which provides access south to the port in Kitimat and north to the Yukon and Alaska.

The new Corya Creek Bridge will make travel along this vital corridor safer and more efficient for all users. This project is part of more than $26 million in highway improvements in the Northwest planned for this year. Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested nearly $1 billion in the Northwest in highway improvements, maintenance and community infrastructure improvements.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"We want to ensure the Northwest has safe, reliable infrastructure for residents, tourists and commercial traffic. This new bridge at Corya Creek will provide safer, more efficient travel along this portion of Highway 16."

MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad -

"Bridges are an essential part of our transportation infrastructure, and as they age, they need to be replaced with newer, more modern constructions. I'm glad to see this happening at the Highway 16 bridge at Moricetown, where the current bridge has been in service for almost five decades."

MLA for Prince George-Valemount Shirley Bond -

"Highway 16 is a key route for commercial traffic, tourists, and residents. The replacement of the Corya Creek Bridge will enhance travel along this important corridor. It also demonstrates our government's ongoing commitment to investment in northern roads."

Learn More:

Learn more about transportation projects happening throughout B.C. at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/tranprojectsbc/

Media Contact:

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