A project to replace the South Slocan Bridge with rock fill and a pedestrian tunnel will soon go to tender with construction anticipated to start this spring.

“We heard that trail connectivity through the underpass was important for those living in the South Slocan area as well as for others in the nearby communities of Castlegar and Nelson,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Through consultation with the local community, stakeholder groups and different levels of government, we are very pleased to be including a pedestrian tunnel as part of the final design.”

The project involves removing the existing South Slocan Overhead and replacing it with road fill and a pedestrian underpass to create future trail connectivity in the area. As an added bonus, the project scope will include a rock cut in the Beasley Bluffs which will not only provide the road fill for the project but will provide additional safety benefits on Highway 3A by increasing sight lines, expanding the clear zones and improving snow storage. The ministry is partnering with the Regional District of Central Kootenay, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society on this project.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society will make additional improvements to the existing trail network, including new signage, adding a new trailhead at the end of South Slocan Station Road and asphalt paving the rail trail from South Slocan to Pass Creek Road.

The road design will also include wider shoulders and improved intersection designs on adjacent roads.

An open house was held on March 1, 2016, to provide the public with an opportunity to express their views on the project.