The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is replacing the R.W. Bruhn Bridge to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
The District of Sicamous is committed to sharing as much information about this project as possible. What we know, you know!
The best way to access information about the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement is to monitor the ministry's webpage and check DriveBC for updates on closures or traffic interruptions.
The existing 19 parking stalls will be closed to the public during the construction
The R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project will impact public parking in Sicamous. The Province will compensate the District of Sicamous for the loss of 19 standard vehicle parking stalls and 36 truck and trailer parking stalls.
Once a lease is secured, the Province will reimburse the cost upfront.
Once the project is complete, the 19 standard vehicle parking stalls will be reinstated for public use.
Unfortunately, the project results in the loss of the 36 truck and trailer parking stalls previously located by the Sicamous Beach Park.
Sicamous Beach Park Parking
Public parking for the Sicamous Beach Park is available via the parking lot located on Silver Sands Road.
Once a lease is obtained for further parking, that location will also be an option.
Finlayson Street Boat Launch Parking
We will disclose the location of further parking as soon as a lease is obtained for parking servicing the Finlayson Street Boat Launch. Thank you for your patience.
Finlayson Street Boat Launch
The Finlayson Street Boat Launch is located south of the R.W. Bruhn Bridge. The launch is expected to remain operational and open to the public during much of the project, although some temporary closures are anticipated. The District of Sicamous will communicate if/when closures are scheduled.
Sicamous Beach Park
The Sicamous Beach Park will remain open to the public for the duration of the project. The contractor will keep a designated pedestrian walkway open throughout the project for those wishing to access the Beach Park from Finlayson Street, except for when hazardous overhead work is occurring. We will provide as much notice as possible!
January 15, 2025 Update: The beach access under the bridge is temporarily closed due to construction activities, as per the Ministry's website. They have advised that they will update their webpage when the path reopens in the spring.
The Sicamous Beach Park can also be accessed via Silver Sands Road, where parking is available.
As part of this essential infrastructure upgrade, construction work will take place during the daytime and evening hours, which may result in increased noise levels in the surrounding area.
Noise can be expected near the bridge site and at Two Mile as trucks haul material to Harvey Pit.
Construction Noise Exemption
To allow the project to be completed efficiently and on schedule, the District of Sicamous has granted an exemption to the Good Neighbour Bylaw for the duration of the bridge replacement. This exemption permits construction noise during hours that would typically be restricted under the bylaw.
The exemption is necessary to ensure that work can be completed without delay and that safety standards are met. The bridge replacement is an important infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation and safety for the community.
What to Expect
Duration: Construction noise may occur during both daytime and evening hours.
Noise Levels: While every effort will be made to minimize disruption, some noise is expected due to machinery, equipment and construction activities.
We recognize that construction noise can be disruptive, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this important project. The District of Sicamous is committed to keeping the community informed and minimizing any inconvenience.
If you have any questions or concerns about the project or the noise exemption, please contact the project management team using the information below.
The R.W. Bruhn Bridge project is registered with BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB). Please express your interest in employment through the BCIB website.
