SHUSWAP - The government of B.C. is committing $3 million for the design and construction of a new bridge on Highway 97A over Hummingbird Creek to improve safety and better protect the highway during times of high creek flows.

Preliminary design work is underway on a new clear span concrete structure to replace the existing culvert. Design is expected to be completed by next spring, with construction to follow later in 2014.

Additional work this year includes environmental modifications such as removal of some of the gravel bed load from the creek near the outlet to Mara Lake, and strengthening of 120 metres of creek bank adjacent to the Hummingbird Beach Resort. This work, to improve stream flow and further reduce the risk of flooding, is scheduled to get underway this fall.

This builds on the $565,000 worth of stream repair work completed in March. The work included bed load removal to bring the channel back to a one-in-200-year flow capacity, and repaired and strengthened the stream bank to reduce the potential for erosion immediately above and below the highway.

Following flood damage to the highway in June 2012, which forced its closure for a day, Golder and Associates was commissioned by the Province to design creek repairs to restore the channel to its pre-2012 event condition. The engineering firm also assessed the existing highway culvert capacity.

The Golder and Associates report, released today, says the existing culvert does not meet the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's requirements for flow capacity. The ministry is remedying the situation by installing a new bridge that will span the stream.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"A reliable transportation network is key to sustaining economic growth and creating jobs across British Columbia. The construction of a new bridge on Highway 97A, along with the channel repair work at Hummingbird Creek undertaken this year, will help keep this important highway through the Shuswap open."

Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo -

"I'm so pleased to see this much-needed improvement project go forward after much consultation with the Swansea Point community. The bridge will be greatly welcomed by local residents, and as it is being built, other measures are being put into place to ensure it continues to be a reliable route for the movement of people and goods."

Learn More:

To read the report on Hummingbird Creek, go to:

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/reports_and_studies/Hwy97A-HummingbirdCreek/

Contact:

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