The aging Taylor Bridge was raised again in the BC Legislature on Thursday. Jordan Kealy, the MLA for Peace River North, is asking for a clear replacement plan for the bridge, instead of constant maintenance.
“Will the minister commit today to finally replacing the Taylor Bridge? Yes or no?” Kealy asked Minister of Transportation and Transit Mike Farnworth.
In the legislature, Kealy referred to a freedom of information request filed by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), seeking inspection reports on the Taylor Bridge.
The report found the bridge has cracked deck beams that have been welded, re-cracked and welded again. It also shows decades of corrosion, and a coating system described by government engineers as “failed and in poor condition.”
“Truck drivers are saying a prayer before crossing the bridge with their loads. Confidence is gone, and when confidence is gone, assurance from the minister doesn’t mean much,” Kealy said.
The Taylor Bridge, located along Highway 97, connects the North and South Peace regions to the rest of BC. The bridge was built in 1960, three years after the Peace River Bridge collapsed.
ICBA President and CEO Chris Gardner says the 65-year-old bridge may not last another 10 years, and that the government needs a replacement plan urgently. However, he says that may not happen anytime soon.
“This government is still identifying a preferred course of action, with reports leaning towards rehabilitation and more patchwork instead of replacement,” Gardner said.
The ICBA first raised safety concerns about the bridge in 2019. Nine months ago, the association filed a freedom of information request but only received the report in March.
“We did not expect a delay of nine months, but it’s typical of governments that try to hide things. Clearly, they know they should be doing more,” Gardner said.
Gardner also says regions outside of the Lower Mainland struggle for attention. He says it is up to stakeholders and elected officials to advocate for a new bridge, despite the NDP having no MLAs in the Peace Region.
Gardner says renewing infrastructure is critical in a region with significant economic opportunities, adding the longer the province waits, the more it will cost to replace the bridge.
The Taylor Bridge is not included in the province’s 10-year capital plan, which Gardner says is concerning. “We’re talking seven years if they decided to replace the bridge today. If they wait another 10 years to make that decision, we’re looking at 20 years before a new bridge is built,” he explained.
Gardner adds the Ministry of Finance forecasts a structural deficit of about $13 million per year, which could make it difficult to finance the project.
“There are many areas where the government should be tightening the reins and cutting back,” he said.
Farnworth said in the legislature Thursday that the province takes bridge safety seriously. He added that $40 million has been spent on studies to date, to determine the best way forward.
Farnworth said the bridge is inspected on regularly to ensure it is safe, and Gardner agrees it is not in imminent danger of collapse.
However, Gardner says the government is not serving residents properly. “You think of the jobs and the communities that rely on this bridge. It’s irresponsible for the government to just say, ‘we’re studying it.’ They’ve got to start acting,” he said.