$9.3 million bridge upgrade set for spring

KAMLOOPS – If construction this year has been a headache for you, just wait until next year. Major road work is expected to begin on Overlanders Bridge in the spring and then Columbia Street work will begin in early summer.

Not a single elector in the city sent in a letter against the $9.3 million loan needed for the bridge project, meaning the city is free to go ahead with the work. Public Works director Jen Fretz expects the work, which was put off for a year to include upgrades to the west sidewalk, will take five to six months.

In addition to reconstruction of the west sidewalk work will include the repairs of the concrete deck, a new membrane, new surface and removal of some expansion joints — which should help provide a smoother ride.

The city hopes work will begin in April though Fretz says they are still in the very early stages of planning.

Fretz notes work is also expected to begin on Columbia Street by June. Work will encompass several blocks, from 2 Avenue to 6 Avenue, and will include more turning lanes and widened sidewalks.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.