Kamloops is shopping for another bridge

The City of Kamloops has issued a request for proposals to study the feasibility and location of a new Thompson River crossing, west of Overlanders Bridge.

The request was posted on B.C. Bid on June 2 to seek a study that will determine both traffic alignment with current roadways and best methods to connect major roadways, so trucks can be diverted from the city centre.

The city's Transportation Master Plan, approved in 2018, scheduled a new bridge crossing to be built in anticipation of population growth above 120,000 people.

Kamloops had a population of 90,000 in 2016, according to Statistics Canada.

Although an exact location of a bridge has not been determined, the city transportation plan indicates past studies have shown Singh Street to be a poor location.

Two alternate options have been studied and are found in the 2018 transportation plan, which are at Desmond Street and Aviation Way. According to the studies, they work to reroute truck traffic away from the city centre.

Population estimates found in the transportation plan suggest that the Kamloops population will reach 120,000 by 2037, and the current four bridge crossings will sustain vehicle traffic until then.

Aside from a costs and location assessment, the study will include a concept design, archaeological and environmental assessments, and consultation with stakeholders.

Stakeholders listed in the proposal outline include ICBC, the provincial Ministry of Transportation and the Kamloops Airport.

The deadline for the proposal comes June 25, with an expectation to have finalized a contract by July 2021.

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