The Fort George region, as well as the Peace regions, will now benefit from a "wider and safer" Parsnip River Bridge on Highway 97 north.
The B.C. and federal government announced today (Dec. 10) the Parsnip River Bridge is now open, roughly 30 km south of Mackenzie.
"Safe and efficient road networks are key to maintaining economic productivity and a high quality of life for all," said Catherine McKenna, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities in a news release.
"The new Parsnip River Bridge connects B.C. communities, makes travel safer and will help strengthen the local economy over the long term. Through this project, we are helping put the ideal conditions in place for long-term growth and to build strong communities for generations to come."
The bridge is an open-top structure with two traveling lanes.
The government says elimination of the height and width restricts means a larger capacity to accommodate the heavy loads that are required in industries such as mining, forestry as well as oil and gas.
"With the opening of the new Parsnip River Bridge, this section of Highway 97 is safer for area residents and more accessible to the larger vehicles that serve industries in the region," added Claire Trevena, B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in the same release.
"This new bridge replaces the last low overhead along the highway, opening the path for improved transport of goods and equipment in the northeast."
A dedicated sidewalk on the bridge will also help safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Finishing touches such as paving of the bridge and its approaches will be finished by the spring of 2020, according to the release.
The old steel truss bridge which was built in 1952 will be decommissioned in 2020.
The Canadian government is contributing up to $12.9 million in the replacement project through the New Building Canada Fund.
B.C. is paying the remaining $30.4 million.
