The extensive rehabilitation of the old Skeena Bridge is finishing far ahead of schedule with an opening to traffic again slated for June.
Sandblasting, repainting, structural repairs and construction of ‘bump outs’ on the sidewalk was to have been finished by this fall.
Gitga’at Park Derochie Industrial Services Inc., a joint venture of the Gitga’at First Nation and Park Derochie Industrial Services was awarded the $22.6 million contract the middle of last year with the bridge being closed to traffic thereafter.
“The project is progressing ahead of schedule due to favourable weather this winter and contractor efficiency,” said the provincial transportation ministry in a provided statement.
“There is no change to the scope of the work and the project costs remain the same.”
The company began removing equipment last week in preparation for an opening.
The bridge closure resulted in increased traffic to and from Thornhill using Keith Ave./Hwy16 as well as the Sande Overpass.
First opened in 1925, the structure has seen rehabilitative work and changes over the years but this was an extensive project to extend its life.
African hardwood once used as the bridge deck was replaced by steel decking some years back.
The addition of bump outs along the sidewalk portion will make walking and cycling more comfortable.