Permanent bridges are now open, and reinforcing armour is in place, on two roads in the Cherry Creek area that were washed out by spring flooding.

These upgrades will improve safety and stability during future flooding.

“The Cherry Creek flooding severely impacted the people who live in the area and caused significant damage to culverts,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “A huge thank you goes to ministry staff for working so quickly to put temporary bridges in place to keep people moving, and then completing new structures that will be better able to stand up to high water levels and debris.”

In spring 2017, the culverts on Rodeo Drive and Greenstone Road west of Kamloops were washed out, with additional damage to the shoulder of Highway 1.

The new creek crossings include rock armouring designed to protect them from potential damage during future flooding. The cost for this flood recovery work is approximately $3 million.

A temporary structure remains on Beaton Road near Cherry Creek, where the crossing was washed out in spring 2018. The replacement design has been finalized, and work is expected to begin this fall and finish by spring 2020.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has completed a prioritized risk assessment and is working with a qualified environmental professional, who will help residents who are considering work on their properties to reduce the effects of future flooding.

The ministry appreciates the patience of all drivers and residents in the area affected by the flooding and repair work.

Learn More:

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