TAYLOR, B.C. – The Province of B.C. as asking stakeholders interested in the technical aspects of the Taylor Bridge on Highway 97 to join a group that will brainstorm long-term solutions for the crossing.
The group will give technical input on industrial road use, municipal infrastructure plans, utility services and other considerations as options for the bridge are developed.
“It’s important that we hear directly from residents, First Nations and local governments, industrial bridge users and others, as we plan for the future of the Taylor Bridge,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure, in a statement. “A safe and reliable highway network is essential for industry, businesses and residents, and for the prosperity of the communities in the Peace.”
Those interested in being a part of the group can apply at gov.bc.ca/taylorbridgecrossing.
The group will be chaired by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s northern regional office. The province is aiming for an eight-member group that includes municipal planners and engineers, representatives from the oil and gas industry, forestry and mining industries, emergency services, transit and transportation, and utility services. The ministry is also working directly with Treaty 8 First Nations with rights and interests in the area.
Later this year, local community members will have an opportunity to contribute non-technical feedback on the future of the Taylor Bridge through a series of open houses. Details on the plans and locations for the open houses will be given closer to the time.
Taylor Bridge is crossed approximately 7,500 times each day, with 30 per cent being commercial-vehicle traffic.
The ministry noted that First Nations rights and interests, current and future travel patterns, financial analysis, engineering and geotechnical requirements, utility service constraints and environmental and climate change considerations will all be important things to consider when planning a crossing solution.
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