Dewdney Slough Bridge, located eight kilometres east of Mission on Highway 7, is currently closed for repairs. The bridge was closed on Thursday morning after a steel cap supporting the bridge deck was damaged resulting in the deck settling on the support beam.

Repairs are underway, with crews working extended 16-hour shifts to fix and reopen the bridge as quickly as possible. The bridge will be jacked up and the damaged cap replaced. Crews will also do any other repairs if they are needed.

If repairs go as planned, the ministry is hopeful that the bridge can be reopened within the next few days. Once ministry engineers can confirm the timeline for repair, the ministry will provide another update.

There is no risk of the bridge collapsing or any concern to public safety. The bridge remains stable and is open to pedestrian and cyclist traffic under supervision from traffic control personnel on site. Emergency vehicles will be allowed to cross if needed.

In the meantime, motorists should detour along Highway 1, using either Highway 11 via Mission from the west or Highway 9 via Agassiz from the east.

For updates, please check: http://www.DriveBC.ca

The ministry apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks drivers for their patience while the repairs are undertaken.

Quick Facts:

• The Dewdney Slough Bridge was opened in 1958 and is scheduled to be replaced by 2019.
• An average of 16,850 vehicles use the bridge daily.
• There are 2,779 road bridges and 57 pedestrian bridges in British Columbia under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
• Every bridge in the province is inspected annually.
• The ministry employs 80 people to oversee bridge safety and maintenance.

There are 25 bridge area managers (technicians) who are responsible for inspections, as well as engineers and support staff.