Construction has finished on a $4.25-million bridge replacement, located approximately 50 kilometres west of Port Hardy, near the community of Holberg.

“The new San Josef bridge has been designed to withstand high water levels and debris flows, and to prevent jams during storms, which ensures a reliable transportation corridor for recreational visitors and North Island communities,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

The previous bridge was washed out in a winter storm event in 2014 and was replaced with a temporary detour bridge. The new bridge over the San Josef River has abutments that are built to resist debris torrents, including massive tree impacts. As well, the box-girder span provides a smooth surface to avoid debris jamming underneath the deck.

Fortitude Structures of Prince George began work in May 2016. Traffic began using the new bridge this week. Crews will remain on site through to the end of the month to finish grading and paving the bridge approaches.