TAYLOR, B.C. – B.C. is asking the public what the fate of Taylor Bridge should be.
The province is asking local residents, business and industry, and the public to share input on the next stage of developing a long-term solution for the future the bridge.
The second phase of engagement builds on the input received in fall 2021, when more than 1,000 comments were received through virtual open houses, surveys and written submissions. In phase one, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure also heard from local stakeholders who rely on the bridge the most, including industrial users, residents and businesses and the public. Input from this helped shape concepts for the future of the bridge.
Phase two also builds on the ongoing technical work that includes extensive geotechnical drilling, bridge and in-stream inspections that include dive-team investigations for riverbed erosion and in-river geotechnical drilling.
Since the field investigation program began in spring 2021, technical analysis has been done to better understand bridge and ground conditions. The province explained while the findings of these technical examinations will help guide planning for the future of Taylor Bridge, they also reaffirm the safety of the current bridge structure for drivers. The ministry is also conducting ongoing traffic studies and is assessing community, economic and environmental conditions.
The two-lane bridge first opened in 1960 and requires regular and expensive maintenance that leads to frequent traffic interruptions. It is a major link for the north and south Peace regions that connects Fort St. John to Dawson Creek via Taylor.
According to the province, approximately 7,500 vehicles cross the bridge every day, 30 per cent of this traffic is commercial truck traffic, including the oil and gas, mining, forestry and agriculture industries.
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