Three options pitched, but only one ‘acceptable’ solution for Kamloops Red Bridge replacement

There are three options on the table to replace the now-destroyed Red Bridge in Kamloops, but a city councillor says only one is a realistic solution.

The province is looking to the public for input on what should replace the Red Bridge, which could result in no bridge being built at all. According to Coun. Katie Neustaeter, officials on both sides of the river agree another traffic bridge should span the oldest connection between the city and Tk’emlups.

“There’s only one acceptable option as far as I’m concerned. We will not accept something lesser than what we had before,” she said. “We are not looking for bells and whistles or anything fancy. We’re asking for, really, a basic, functional bridge.”

A public feedback period began last week in which the BC Ministry of Transportation is showcasing three possibilities: a traffic bridge, an active transportation bridge for cyclists and pedestrians or no bridge at all. The third option would, however, include highway upgrades in the area.

Since the bridge burnt down in September 2024, the nearby Yellowhead Bridge connecting Kamloops and Tk’emlups saw traffic increase 20% to 38,000 vehicles per day, according to the ministry.

Despite its narrow and rough driving lanes, the 88-year-old Red Bridge was crossed daily by 8,800 vehicles, plus around 250 cyclists and pedestrians, between Lorne Street and the Mount Paul Industrial Park.

A new traffic bridge would still only include two lanes and it’s not clear whether it would allow for heavy commercial trucks, which weren’t supposed to be permitted on the old bridge. It would still include an active transportation pathway for cyclists and pedestrians.

iNFOnews.ca reached out to the ministry last week for more information on the projected cost difference between the two bridge options but it has yet to provide those details.

City officials expect the replacement costs would be shouldered by the province as the Red Bridge was a ministry-owned asset.

The public feedback period will continue until June 26, but Neustaeter said local officials have been “very clear” with the province as they lobby for a traffic bridge.

“From my perspective, it’s a pretty universally held view from both sides of the river,” she said. “I believe the vast majority of people would say we need a bridge that can transport vehicles and people.”

Go here for more information on ministry’s public feedback sessions.