Another permanent link in the chain that is Highway 1 through the Fraser and Thompson canyons has been completed, just over three years after the site was hit hard by the November 2021 atmospheric river.
The Nicomen River bridge, 19 kilometres south of Spences Bridge, has now fully re-opened to two-lane traffic. It will provide safer, more reliable travel, and has been built to better withstand extreme weather.
The new bridge replaces one that was badly damaged by heavy rains and flooding in November 2021. Eighteen sites on Highway 1 between Spences Bridge and Hope were affected, with four sites — including Nicomen — requiring extensive temporary repairs before the highway could fully reopen in January 2022.
Crews working on the new bridge have added deep foundations, reinforced the embankment to prevent erosion, and rehabilitated pavement on the bridge approaches, ensuring the structure's long-term durability.
Now that both lanes have opened, the temporary single-lane bridge at the site has been removed. Some minor work remains to be done at the site, including erosion mitigation, planting, hydroseeding, and equipment removal, which will continue through December. Drivers can expect reduced speed limits and occasional single-lane alternating traffic while these final tasks are completed, and delays of as much as 15 minutes are possible. Check www.drivebc.ca for more information about highway conditions.
Permanent repairs at another one of the badly-affected sites (Falls Creek/Jackass Mountain) were completed in July 2024. Rebuilding of the Nicomen Community Bridge (single lane with pedestrian walkway) is in the design phase, while construction has started on grade separation at Tank Hill, 14 kilometres east of Lytton.
A conceptual design drawing shows that the highway at Tank Hill will be built above the existing CPKC mainline, rather than passing beneath it as it did prior to November 2021. Highway construction will accommodate the grade separation, and will cross an existing creek; the project will also include improved drainage from CPKC rail under the highway.
Construction at Tank Hill is on schedule to be completed in December 2025. The highway will be reduced to single-lane, alternating traffic as required, and closures of up to 20 minutes are taking place.
