Construction of the 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge has reached its halfway milestone, with work progressing ahead of schedule.
The project is a key City of Courtenay infrastructure initiative that will improve accessibility, connectivity and active transportation options throughout the community.
Crews have now completed more than 50 per cent of the major construction work. This milestone was marked by the successful installation of two structural towers and bridge panels that now span the Courtenay River. The components were manufactured off-site and lifted into place by crane, allowing installation to proceed efficiently and safely.
“This is more than just a bridge; it’s a commitment to ensuring all commuters have a safe and accessible way to travel throughout the city,” said Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells. “We’re really pleased with the progress to date and look forward to the final push before the new corridor comes to life.”
While the task list is now halfway complete, construction is already more than halfway through the overall timeline and is currently ahead of schedule. Work will continue on the remaining elements of the project, including installation of railings, construction of ramps and connecting trails, bridge surface work, rehabilitation of nearby park areas and the development of dedicate cycling lanes approaching from 6th Street.
The 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge project is supported through grant funding from several partners, including the Active Transportation Fund, Growing Communities Fund and the Canada Community-Building Fund.
For more information visit www.courtenay.ca/6th-street-bridge
Fast facts:
- The bridge is a four-metre wide, symmetrical, cable-stayed bridge that will provide a river crossing for those who travel by foot, bike or other modes of active transportation.
- Karver Everson is carving a welcome pole that will be installed on the Simms Park side of the bridge.
- Planning began in January 2020, and work is expected to be complete by fall 2026.
- Construction is being completed by Surepan Group, a B.C.-based company specializing in bridge construction.
- The idea of having an active transportation bridge was originally a community driven, grass roots project, conceived in 2005 — it has since been included in long-term City plans, including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the Transportation Master Plan, and it is a core feature of the Downtown Vitalization Local Area Plan, in development now.