HOPE, B.C. – Permanent repair work is on the way for flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla and Highway 1.
The contract for development and early construction work on sections of the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt has been awarded to KEA5, a joint venture between Peter Kiewit & Sons and Emil Anderson Construction. Work is expected to start this summer.
“This marks a significant milestone in our recovery from the devastating atmospheric river events of last fall,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure, in a release. “Following the extraordinary work that was done to reconnect these highways in December, we’re building back permanent infrastructure that will be equipped to better withstand the impacts of climate change and future extreme weather events.”
The work to repair Coquihalla to its previous full, four-lane capacity will be concentrated at three sites:
- Bottletop Bridges, 50 kilometres south of Merritt;
- Juliet Bridges, three kilometres south of Bottletop; and
- Jessica Bridges, 48 kilometres south of Juliet.
The province anticipates the work to be substantially complete this winter. Officials noted all efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions during peak travel hours and crews will work overnight when possible.
The project will be completed through a collaborative construction model where the owner and contractor work together to complete the design and construction of the project, including sharing risks and incentives.
The ministry has also issued a request for proposals (RFP) for damaged sections along Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon. The RFP process invites select contractors who qualified through the Highway Reinstatement Program request for qualifications process to take part in the competitive selection process to design and construct the permanent repairs needed at:
- Falls Creek Bridge, 55 kilometres south of Spences Bridge;
- Tank Hill Crossing, 23 kilometres south of Spences Bridge; and
- Nicomen River Bridge, 19 kilometres south of Spences Bridge.
The RFP for the repair project will close Sept. 14, with the contract awarded shortly after.
Officials noted crews are making progress at other sites.
Storms completely washed out 25 sections of Highway 8, leading to the closure of the highway between Merritt and Spences Bridge.
As of today, the ministry has completed temporary repairs at 18 locations and construction has started on another two. Work is being planned for the near future at the five remaining sites to complete temporary repairs along this route.
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