Trans-Canada Highway 1
RW Bruhn Bridge Replacement
May 2016
RW Bruhn Bridge Project Objectives
Improve safety, traffic flow and movement of goods
Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Replace the RW Bruhn Bridge to address aging infrastructure
Improve access to local roads and development
Local Government & First Nations Engagement
District Council, First Nations and Project Liaison Committee meetings held for input on project options and community needs
Identified interest in a Main Street Bridge option to support community growth and connectivity
Identified need to address community network planning
Identified interest in multi-use trails
Identified concerns for cultural heritage impacts
Project Delivery
Province working towards a cost-sharing agreement with the federal government
Proposed schedules are dependent on outcome of funding
The project may be delivered in 2 phases – Main Street component, and Trans-Canada Highway/RW Bruhn Bridge component- but yet to be determined
Where we are now:
Preliminary design is well underway
Value Analysis complete –to refine scope, risks and costs
Environmental investigations are underway
Archaeological Investigations are underway
Project Area Highway
West of Old Sicamous Rd. to east of Gill Ave.
2 Lane Rural Arterial
Existing highway has narrow shoulders (1.0m to 2.0m)
Potential intersection improvements/ turn-lanes at Old
Sicamous, Old Spallumcheen, Gill Ave, Silver Sands
Existing RW Bruhn Bridge
Constructed 1962, 2-lanes, 243m, 9 Spans
Element Comment
Substructure Concrete spalling, exposed rebar
Girders Coating repairs required
Deck Potholes, concrete spalling, exposed rebar
Barriers and railings
Corrosion
Joints Seals, hardware issues
Drainage Blocked
Challenges
rock
Archaeology risk
Rock and Steep Slopes
Vegetation risk
Navigation and environment risk
Intersection Safety
Intersection Collision Rates
Provincial Averages: 0.23 7.21
Current Traffic Volumes
Projected Traffic Volumes (2040)
Planning Options Recommended New 6-Lane Bridge on TCH
Intersection at Old Spall Road closed – local cross traffic uses 2 of the 6 lanes
New 5-Lane Bridge on TCH
Interchange at Old Spall Road
New 4-lane Bridge on TCH with Main St Bridge
Intersection at Old Spall Road closed
New 6-Lane Bridge on TCH
RW Bruhn Bridge: • 6 lanes • Sidewalk (south side)
Hwy 1/OSR & Gill Ave.: • Converted to RIRO, WB LT-IN • Restricted access to hwy • NB LT traffic destined WB on hwy
must use proposed turn-around at Silversands.
New 5-Lane Bridge on TCH
OSR, On/Off Ramp: • 10% Grade • 30 km/hr speed • Retaining walls (MSE)
RW Bruhn Bridge: • 5 lanes • Sidewalk (south side)
Hwy 1/OSR: • Hwy access maintained via
proposed interchange • WB - RIRO provided by a new
roadway, approx. 370m long passing under the new bridge
• EB - RIRO provided existing intersection location
Preferred Concept
Hwy 1/OSR:
• Direct access to highway closed
• Proposed Main St. bridge to provide
access into community
• Hwy access via Gill Ave, Silver
Sands Rd. or proposed roundabout
at Hwy 97A.
RW Bruhn Bridge:
• 4 lanes
• Paved Shoulders
Main St. Bridge:
• 2 lanes
• Pedestrian and cyclist accommodation
New 6-Lane Bridge on TCH Advantages Disadvantages
• Hwy 1 4-laning criteria is met.
• Supports future development proposed along OSR.
• Sidewalk supports vulnerable users.
• Local traffic will use parallel frontage road to access community services.
• Constructability and traffic management during construction will be challenging and may result in additional season of construction.
• High rock excavation is required compared to other options – wider footprint.
• Proximity of frontage road to highway corridor increases headlight glare.
• Winter maintenance on new Bruhn Bridge and parallel frontage road will be challenging.
• Highest planning level costs compared to other options.
New 5-Lane Bridge on TCH Advantages Disadvantages
• Meets 4-lane criteria
• Full movement hwy access provided at OSR.
• Supports future development proposed along OSR.
• Improved travel time in WB direction compared to other options.
• Less impact to marine traffic
• Slightly lower planning level costs compared to other options.
• Constructability and traffic management during construction will be challenging and may result in additional season of construction.
• Interchange will require significant retaining walls (MSE) and steep grades on ramps
• High rock excavation is required compared to other options – wider footprint.
• Local traffic required to use highway to access community services.
• Sidewalk on new Bruhn Bridge required and vulnerable users will be required to cross with high-speed traffic.
• Significant CPR property required.
• Extensive consultation with CPR required to confirm property acquisition.
• Winter maintenance on OSR WB ramp challenging.
Preferred Main Street Option
Advantages Disadvantages
• Improves safety by eliminating conflicts with Hwy 1 by removing OSR intersection, ideally prior to TCH construction.
• Supports future development proposed along OSR.
• Enhances local connectivity between the east and west side of Sicamous, including cyclists and pedestrians.
• Improves constructability of new RW Bruhn Bridge. New bridge can be constructed offline while traffic uses existing bridge.
• Rock excavation quantities are lower than other options.
• Potential archeological and cultural impacts.
• Navigable waters consultation and approval from Transport Canada will be required for 2 bridges.
• Potential impact to marine traffic in the area of Main Street Bridge
Value Analysis Results
Confirms: • New 4 lane RW Bruhn Bridge is preferred
• Eliminating Old Spallumcheen Rd intersection via a new Main Street Bridge is preferred
Identifies: • High risk areas: BC Hydro transmission lines, archeology
impacts, rock cuts and walls
Recommends: • Minimize footprint of Main Street bridge
• At-grade intersections
• MoT – District network planning to confirm future needs
Next Steps Complete preliminary design
Continue archeology and environment investigations
Prepare for fall 2016 Public Open House
