Construction crews will start work in the coming weeks on a $5.4-million project to build two steel bridges along Highway 16 on Haida Gwaii.

The bridges will ensure people can continue to travel safely and efficiently between the communities of Port Clements and Tlell.

The new Gold Creek Bridge will be a two-lane, 21-metre-long bridge, eight kilometres southeast of Port Clements. The new Geikie Creek Bridge No. 1 will be a two-lane, 21-metre-long bridge, 3.5 kilometres northwest of the village of Tlell. Both bridges will be constructed of concrete and steel, replacing timber bridges that were at the end of their serviceable life.

The construction contract was awarded to Formula Contractors Ltd. of Prince George, which will work to minimize traffic disruptions. Construction is expected to be complete in fall 2020.

Geikie Creek Bridge No. 2 and Geikie Creek Bridge No. 3 were built last year to replace bridges of similar construction and lifespan. These bridges are also located along Highway 16 between the communities of Port Clements and Tlell.

Highway 16 runs over 100 kilometres from Masset to Skidegate. It is the only provincial highway on Graham Island and is part of the Yellowhead Highway connecting Western Canada.

The ministry is working closely with the contractor, the Council of the Haida Nation, local municipalities and WorkSafeBC to ensure health and safety are maintained for all residents and workers.

B.C.’s provincial health officer has directed construction employers to take all necessary precautions to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to themselves and their employees. Anyone exhibiting symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing or coughing, will be directed to self-isolate at home for at least 10 days.

Learn More:

To see images of the bridges, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/albums/72157714490852266/with/49946452791/

For active highway and infrastructure projects in northern B.C., visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/17700

For travel restrictions and precautions due to COVID-19, visit: http://ow.ly/jBGu50yVMRO

For guidance to construction sites operating during COVID-19, visit: http://ow.ly/P7WS50z8hNT

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, visit @DriveBC on Twitter or: www.DriveBC.ca