Work is now complete on a major upgrade to the Hagwilget Bridge, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.
“Hagwilget Bridge is a key transportation link in this region, not only for commercial traffic, but for families as well as tourists visiting this spectacular part of British Columbia,” said Stone in a press release.
“The bridge’s heritage value is also an important part of B.C. history and upgrading the structural components will ensure it remains safe and reliable for many years to come.”
This historic, single-lane steel suspension bridge is located on the Hazelton High Level Road about two kilometres north of Highway 16 at New Hazelton. The bridge is a busy crossing for commercial vehicles, residents and tourists travelling over the scenic Bulkley River Canyon, providing access to the Kispiox Valley.
The $5.2 million project included the replacement of the structural steel components on the bridge's main towers and superstructure.
Hagwilget Bridge has been in service for 83 years. A number of upgrades have been done on the bridge, including a project in 2013 to sandblast, clean, and coat the non-galvanized components on the bridge.
This project is part of B.C. on the Move, the B.C. government’s 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.7 billion over the next three years to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.
Release from the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.