A new bridge over Rogers Creek will be fully open to traffic before the end of the month, announced Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone today.

The 44-metre-long, single-span bridge replaces the old concrete culvert underneath Highway 4 in Port Alberni. In the past, the relatively small opening of the culvert was at risk of becoming blocked by debris during storms, increasing the possibility of washouts on this section of the Port Alberni Highway.

While traffic is transferred over to the new structure, motorists can expect a minimal delay and are advised to use caution and obey traffic control personnel when traveling through this area. 

Construction activities are continuing with the removal of the detour bridge and placement of additional rock materials to prevent erosion. Neelco Builders Ltd. of Chilliwack has been working on the $5-million project since March 2014, and final project completion is expected by the end of the year.    

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

“This highway is an important corridor for residents, resource industry and commercial vehicle traffic, tourists and recreation users on Vancouver Island. With the new bridge, the risk of washouts is now greatly reduced, allowing for safer and more reliable travel along the Port Alberni Highway including access to the West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni.”

Learn More:

Photos are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/15532825068/

More about the project at:
http://tranbc.ca/2014/07/19/bridging-rogers-creek-to-protect-port-alberni/

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

Media Contacts:

Government and Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 413-7941