A new paint job, the final touch of nearly an $8-million investment in the Nimpkish River Bridge, completes the upgrade of the 51-year-old crossing on Highway 19 on Vancouver Island.

The upgrade, which began in 2011, included strengthening the structure, replacing railings, resurfacing the deck and improving the approaches for safer, smoother travel over the estuary near Port McNeill.

“The work extends the life of the bridge on Highway 19 which is a critical link for local communities and industries,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “It is also the main route up Island for tourists attracted by the good fishing and glorious scenery in the area.”

The work was done in three phases:

• Starting in 2011, girders and bearings were replaced;
• the concrete deck resurfacing and steel railings and concrete parapets replacement was completed in 2014; and
• this year, steel components were replaced and a protective coating applied.

During the construction, traffic on the bridge was frequently reduced to a single lane. The patience and co-operation of the travelling public were important factors in the work being completed safely and on time.

Through B.C. on the Move, government’s 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network, approximately $180 million over the next three years is being invested to repair, rehabilitate and replace bridges, building on an investment of $389 million in the past decade.

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Construction photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/sets/72157629483006041/