Kicking Horse Canyon makes major progress

GOLDEN, B.C.—After one year of construction, phase four of the Kicking Horse Canyon project is galloping along.

Officials announced the project has seen notable progress, with new bridges under construction and retaining walls and new highway viaducts taking shape along the section of the Trans-Canada Highway.

“It is remarkable to see the transformation of this highway as the finishing touches are put on key bridges and the first year of construction nears completion,” said Dominic LeBlanc, federal minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities, in a statement. “The Kicking Horse Canyon is a vital route for commerce and commuters, and its extensive renovation will benefit the local economy and community by reducing congestion and increasing road safety. Our government’s investments in transportation often pull double duty, improving commercial trade and residents’ quality of life.”

Crews have made progress on Bighorn Bridge, the project’s longest bridge at 160 metres, where girders have recently been installed. The eastbound lanes of the Sheep Bridge are nearing completion with the concrete bridge deck recently poured.

“The engineering needed to upgrade Highway 1 through the Kicking Horse Canyon is absolutely extraordinary,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s minister of transportation and infrastructure. “The first year of construction has been challenging, but excellent progress has been made. When completed, these major improvements to this section of highway will make travel better and safer for all who use it.”

The project is slated for completion in winter 2023-24 with the next stretch of full highway closures expected this fall.

This phase of the project involves realigning and widening 4.8 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway through the canyon. The work includes construction of four new bridges and nine new viaducts.

The $601-million project cost is shared, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $215 million, and the B.C. government providing the remaining $386 million.