After a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, new concerns are being raised about the safety of the aging Taylor Bridge.
The FOI outlines years of corrosion, cracked beams that have been repeatedly repaired, a worn deck, and a structure that has started to move.
Larry Neufeld, B.C. Conservative MLA for Peace River South, says he has raised those concerns with Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth. “There were things in the inspection that raised my eyebrow,” he said.
In an interview with CJDC-TV News, Farnworth said the Taylor Bridge is an economic lifeline for the province. He notes that the government is currently investing in LNG projects in Northern B.C., adding it is critical to build a bridge that meets the needs for the future.
“We’re not looking at this in terms of an ongoing study anymore,” Farnworth said. “We’re doing work necessary so that we can get it on the 10-year capital plan.”
CJDC-TV News asked when a new bridge could be expected, but Farnworth could not provide a timeline. Instead, he said, “I can’t confirm a date, but I can tell you that work is underway.”
Farnworth added a Taylor Bridge replacement can only be introduced in the 10-year capital plan once that work is completed.
Neufeld says engineering studies have been ongoing since 2019, but the NDP government has yet to commit to replacing the bridge. However, the minister’s comments signal progress – for the first time publicly.
Meantime, Neufeld says he does not want people to fear using the Taylor Bridge. “I am looking for a factual statement that is stamped by structural engineers that would certify the safety of the bridge,” he said.
Farnworth says while the FOI does identify issues, the bridge is thoroughly maintained to ensure its safety.
“It’s inspected on a regular basis by professional engineers within the ministry. They assess where challenges are, what needs to be rehabilitated and what needs to be mended and fixed,” Farnworth said.
The Taylor Bridge, located along Highway 97, connects the North and South Peace regions to the rest of B.C. The bridge was built in 1960, three years after the Peace River Bridge collapsed.
An average of 7,500 vehicles travel on the 65-year-old bridge every day, 30 per cent of which is industrial traffic.
Farnworth says $18 million was spent last year on work toward a potential replacement. However, such a project would be far more expensive, as construction costs continue to rise.
The province’s budget tabled in February showed a record deficit of $13.3 billion, up from $12.8 billion the prior year.
“Because of the provincial budgeting of this current government, it is very challenging to find money to spend on infrastructure projects,” Neufeld said.
For a project of this magnitude, the B.C. government could seek federal funding. Bob Zimmer, the Member of Parliament representing Peace River, says he has been pushing for a new bridge at the federal level since 2011.
“At that time, it was listed at $100 million or more. Now, it’s probably going to be doubled that number,” Zimmer said.
While Neufeld calls the Taylor Bridge critical to the B.C. economy, Zimmer says its role goes much further.
The Alaska Highway connects Canada to the United States and plays a part in national security and Arctic sovereignty.
“There’s a role for us to play in pressuring the federal and provincial governments to get it done,” Zimmer said.