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Holt Creek Bridge Replacement

Last updated on October 30, 2024

Holt Creek Bridge Overhead

The existing Holt Creek Bridge will be replaced with a new bridge to ensure a safe and accessible trail connection between Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan.

Construction impacts

The bridge is CLOSED for construction starting November 7, 2024.

Trail will be closed between Glenora Trailheads Park and the west side of Holt Creek Bridge for bridge replacement with no detour available November 2024 – end of May 2025.

Exact trail closure dates will be posted on the Project website as soon as they become available.

Closure of Holt Creek Trail Trestle between Glenora Trail Heads Park and the east sit of the Holt Creek Bridge

  • There are no alternate routes or detours available
  • Trail users are encouraged to use other parts of the Cowichan Valley Trail

Please obey posted signs and watch for construction vehicles and equipment in the area around the closure.

The Holt Creek Bridge is along the Cowichan Valley Trail/The Great Trail of Canada which is an active transportation corridor and recreation tourism attraction in the Cowichan Valley.

The bridge is between Duncan and Lake Cowichan just west of the Glenora Trails Head Park. In 2023, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (who manages the trail between Shawnigan Lake and Glenora Trails Head Park) reported 78,230 visits at Glenora.

Holt Creek Bridge map showing location between Duncan and Lake Cowichan, just west of the Glenora Trails Head Park

The existing Holt Creek Bridge opened in 1922 and served as a rail line until 1991 when CN Rail handed the line over to the Province to own and maintain. Structural improvements and upgrades were made to the bridge in 2002 and 2018. A 2017 structural assessment of the bridge determined the bridge was nearing the end of its lifespan.

Current Holt Creek Bridge structure

The assessment recommended the bridge be replaced rather than continuously repaired and maintained.

The existing timber structure rests 34 m above Holt Creek and spans 73 m.              

The proposed structure will:

  • Feature a new steel frame structure with a timber deck
  • Have steel girders supported on concrete footings on either side of the creek
  • Span approximately 74 m

The bridge is designed to be functional, durable, and attractive while also being easy to maintain.

Holt Creek Bridge Artist Rendering

Status

Phase I of the project (clearing, grubbing, and site prep works) has been completed.

Phase II (bridge replacement) is planned to start in the beginning of November 2024, targeting completion by end of May 2025. The bridge is CLOSED for construction starting on November 7, 2024, with no detour available.

Project Benefits

The new bridge will continue to be used by pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians and be strong enough to accommodate emergency response vehicles and maintenance equipment.

The Holt Creek Bridge is an important active transportation corridor and recreation tourism attraction in the Cowichan Valley.

Replacement of the Holt Creek Bridge supports the provincial Active Transportation Strategy.

Schedule

  • Approval for Detailed Design Spring 2022
  • Detailed Design Summer/Fall 2022
  • Construction Funding Approval Winter 2023
  • Construction will start in August 2024 and is expected to complete in May 2025

Public Consultation

An information session was held March 27, 2023 in Duncan. 

Project photo gallery

Get construction updates, traffic, weather and road conditions and plan your route.

Contact information

Friendly Url for This Page:
gov.bc.ca/HoltCreek

For information about this project, contact

Email
HoltCreekBridgeReplacement@gov.bc.ca