A $3.9 million contract has been awarded for the replacement of the Alexander Bridge on Highway 3, five kilometres west of the Alberta border, improving safety for area residents, tourists, and commercial and industrial users.

The contract for the work has been awarded to Copcan Contracting Ltd. from Nanaimo.

The new Alexander Bridge will be over three metres wider than the existing structure, and the approaches will be realigned, improving safety for all motorists along this section of Highway 3.

The new two-lane bridge will replace the current Alexander Bridge, which was built in 1953.

Work will begin in May and is scheduled to be completed by the end of September.

Motorists are advised to check DriveBC for details on any construction delays.

“Our government has invested tens of millions into Highway 3 between the Alberta border and Elko, including the bridges. The Alexander Bridge replacement is another major improvement in public safety along this essential corridor,” stated Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett.

According to a provincial government press release, the project supports B.C.’s economy by removing another narrow structure on this important trade route between Western Canada and the United States.

Trucks use this route to access the Kingsgate border crossing (the busiest in Kootenays) for travel from Alberta and points east to Washington, California and Oregon.

This is the route most fruit/vegetable trucks use to get from California and Oregon to Alberta, and is the preferred route to ship livestock from the region to the United States.

For more: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/BCHighways/contracts/Reference_Material_Tenders/22821-0000/12.0019_Alexander%20Creek%20Bridge%20Replacement%20EA_Final%20Report.pdf

Above photo: Alexander Creek near Sparwood/Flickriver.com

e-KNOW

Article Share