Another height restriction has been removed from the Highway 97 corridor north of Prince George, with the completion of the Salmon River Bridge replacement project.

“Our ministry is ensuring our highways can handle the heavy and oversized loads required by the resource sector,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena. “The removal of height restrictions at the Salmon River Bridge supports industry in the north, and our ministry is looking at other priorities for improvement along the Highway 97 corridor.”

The old bridge was constructed in 1954 and had overhead girders that limited the height of vehicles. The new Salmon River Bridge has no height restriction, and with its wider lanes and with greater load capacity, the new structure can take the heavy loads required to service resource industries in the north.

As part of the project, other improvements were made to enhance access and safety at this popular outdoor recreation site. The new bridge includes a sidewalk, and an underpass allows pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the highway. As well, a new rest area was created on the north side of the bridge, with toilet facilities soon to be installed.

The bridge opened to traffic in late August, and the old bridge and temporary detour route have been decommissioned. The total value of the project was $24 million.

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Photos of Salmon River Bridge construction are available online at https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/sets/72157676692264440/

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