Old Skeena Bridge Rehabilitation Project

This project will include the rehabilitation and recoating of the Old Skeena Bridge, located 650m northwest of the junction of Highway 16 and 37. The bridge spans the Skeena River and was the original structure that linked the City of Terrace and the community of Thornhill.

Status

The project is ongoing and the bridge is currently closed for construction.

Project Benefits

Tentative Schedule

• Construction tender in February 2022
• Construction start in July 2022
• Construction complete by 2023

Project Updates

We encourage the public to visit this webpage for regular project updates. The public can also follow the Skeena District on Twitter (@TranBC_Skeena) for local updates.

Traffic Management

This maintenance project requires full closure of the bridge because of the extensive scaffolding structure needed for the containment of lead paint primer during the sandblasting and painting process. This full containment system will be put in place to ensure the environment is fully protected and no debris can enter the Skeena River. The containment system and related scaffolding is significant. The bridge will not accommodate additional traffic loads, and a complete traffic closure is the only structurally safe option to deliver the project. This required closure will ensure the safety of workers at the site and also ensure this bridge serves the public for years to come.

The preferred access to Queensway will continue to be via Lakelse Ave (north leg of roundabout) rather than Substation Ave. Potential detour options and truck routes are also being considered for Keith Avenue, along the Highway 16 Arterial. Once work has started, the bridge will be closed to all pedestrians and they will be required to use the Dudley Bridges to cross the Skeena River. Alternatively, existing transit is in place: https://www.bctransit.com/terrace/schedules-and-maps. BC Transit bus routes and schedules will be promoted and posted on this website.

Traffic patterns along Hwy 16 will be regularly monitored throughout the project, and the ministry will maintain an open dialogue with emergency responders, local governments, and First Nations to minimize impact.

For the most up-to-date highway travel information, the ministry reminds all drivers to check DriveBC.ca.

Fishing and Boat Access

The construction contractor will not prohibit access for fishing under and around the bridge.

Boat traffic will be accommodated during construction and appropriate signage will be in place detailing any restrictions or stipulations.

Canadian Navigable Waters Act

The Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure hereby gives notice that a submission has been added to the Common Project Search (online registry) pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act described herein and its description.

Pursuant to paragraph 4.1 and 9.1 of the said Act, The Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Common Project Registry (https://cps.canada.ca/) and under registry number 4646, a description of the following work: cleaning, maintenance and rehabilitation of the superstructure steel work of the Old Skeena Bridge (Highway) over the Skeena River at Terrace, BC, in front of District Lot 368, Range 5 Coast District at the foot of Lakelse Avenue on the north bank of the Skeena River and in front of District Lot 374, Range 5 Coast District at the foot of Old Highway #16 on the south bank of the Skeena River.

Posted at Victoria, British Columbia this 27th day of November 2021.

The Province of British Columbia, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Project Photos