For 62 years, the 712-metre-long Taylor Bridge has provided a vital link across the Peace River between the north and south Peace regions.
Located in Taylor, B.C., about 19 km southeast of Fort St. John, the two-lane bridge connects Fort St. John to Dawson Creek and the rest of B.C. According to information released by the provincial government, an estimated 7,500 vehicles cross the bridge every day, of which roughly 30 per cent are commercial trucks serving the oil and gas, mining, forestry and agriculture sectors.
“Opened in 1960, the Taylor Bridge is an aging structure that currently requires regular maintenance. This leads to frequent bridge closures, lengthy travel delays, and extensive detours for overweight industrial trucks and equipment,” a report by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastrutcure says. “The Ministry is committed to planning a long-term solution that is safe and efficient for moving people, goods, and services.”
The ministry is seeking public, industry and stakeholder input on plans to replace the bridge.
An initial round on consultation, conducted in October and November, resulted in more than 1,000 comments from virtual open houses, surveys and written submissions.
Phase 2 of the public consultation will build on that input and extensive technical work done at the site in 2021.
“Since the field investigation program began in spring 2021, thorough technical analysis has been underway to better understand bridge and ground conditions,” a ministry statement issued on Tuesday said. “While the findings of these technical examinations will help guide planning for the future of Taylor Bridge, they also reaffirm the safety of the current bridge structure for motorists. The ministry is also conducting ongoing traffic studies, and assessment of community, economic and environmental conditions.”
