Province seeks input on Cowichan Valley trestle bridge replacement
The British Columbia government is looking for public input on the proposed replacement of a century-old rail trestle that was repurposed as a recreational trail connector between Duncan and Lake Cowichan.
The proposal seeks to replace Holt Creek Bridge, part of the Cowichan Valley Trail, with a new steel structure that would accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and horses.
The proposed design is also sturdy enough to carry maintenance equipment and emergency vehicles that need to access the area, according to the province.
The bridge is located southeast of Lake Cowichan, just west of Glenora Trails Head Park. In 2018, the Cowichan Valley regional district reported more than 25,000 visitors used the park annually.
The existing Holt Creek Bridge opened in 1922 and served as a rail bridge until 1991, when CN Rail handed the line over to the province.
Structural improvements and upgrades were made to the bridge in 2002 and 2018, but a structural assessment in 2017 found the bridge was nearing the end of its lifespan and recommended a complete replacement rather than continued repairs.
The province says the new bridge would span the entire stream below, removing the need for creosote-treated timbers in the waterway.
The existing wooden trestle bridge spans 73 metres while the new bridge design is one metre longer and features concrete footings, steel girders and a timber deck.
Cowichan Valley Trail users and others interested in the Holt Creek Bridge are invited to an information session on March 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cowichan Community Centre at 2687 James St. in Duncan.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure staff will attend the meeting to answer questions about the project.
Following the design and funding approval phases, construction of the new bridge would begin in late 2023 or early 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.