To improve the safety, reliability and capacity of Highway 1, construction of a new bridge crossing at Quartz Creek will soon begin, benefiting people who travel on the Trans-Canada Highway near Golden.

A $61.5-million contract has been awarded to Pennecon Heavy Civil Ltd. for the project to replace the aging two-lane bridge at Quartz Creek with a new four-lane bridge and widen 4.4 kilometres of the two-lane highway to four lanes.

“Replacing the Quartz Creek Bridge and widening this part of the Trans-Canada Highway will not only improve safety for people travelling from Glacier National Park to Golden, it will also support an important trade corridor, a strong regional economy and good local jobs,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It’s great to see this important project moving ahead.”

Once complete, the new bridge and widened highway will improve mobility for people using this section of Highway 1, including commercial truck drivers carrying goods. The project also includes access improvements to forest service roads in the area. Construction will begin this spring and is anticipated to be complete in late spring 2024.

“This project will really benefit people who live and work in this region as it will expand the two-lane crossing to a modern four-lane bridge, making travel safer and easier for all drivers, including commercial truck drivers carrying essential goods,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Once the new bridge is constructed, it will improve efficiency for everyone who travels in the region and for businesses using this important trade corridor.”

This project is being delivered using the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), which gives priority to hiring local people for good-paying jobs. The CBA is designed to maximize opportunities to develop and grow the skilled labour workforce in B.C.

The CBA prioritizes hiring and rehiring local workers, Indigenous peoples, women, people with disabilities and members of other under-represented groups who are qualified to do the work in a safe, welcoming environment. It increases opportunities for apprentices to work on site and gain the experience they need to move toward completing their certification. British Columbia Infrastructure Benefits is responsible for implementing the CBA for the project and will be the employer for the skilled trades workforce on the project.

Provincial construction sites have protocols and policies in place following the requirements of the provincial health officer to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures include physical distancing and other protocols to ensure workers’ and public safety.                                   

Learn More:

Highway 1 four-laning program: http://www.bchwy1.ca/

Quartz Creek Bridge project: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/highway1-kamloopsalberta/quartz-creek-bridge

Job opportunities for the Quartz Creek Bridge project: https://www.bcib.ca/

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, check @DriveBC on Twitter.
Or visit: https://drivebc.ca/

For travel restrictions and precautions due to COVID-19, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-andcycling/travellerinformation/travel-affected-by-covid-19

For more information on federal infrastructure funding, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca

A backgrounder follows.