Holt Creek Bridge Replacement

The existing Holt Creek Bridge will be replaced with a new bridge to ensure a safe and accessible trail connection between Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan.

The Holt Creek Bridge is along the Cowichan Valley Trail/The Great Trail of Canada which is an active transportation corridor and recreation tourism attraction in the Cowichan Valley.

The bridge is between Duncan and Lake Cowichan just west of the Glenora Trails Head Park. In 2018, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (who manages the trail between Shawnigan Lake and Glenora Trails Head Park) reported 25,959 visits at Glenora.

The existing Holt Creek Bridge opened in 1922 and served as a rail line until 1991 when CN Rail handed the line over to the Province to own and maintain. Structural improvements and upgrades were made to the bridge in 2002 and 2018. A 2017 structural assessment of the bridge determined the bridge was nearing the end of its lifespan.

The assessment recommended the bridge be replaced rather than continuously repaired and maintained.

The existing timber structure rests 34 m above Holt Creek and spans 73 m.              

The proposed structure would

• Feature a new steel frame structure with a timber deck
• Have steel girders supported on concrete footings on either side of the creek
• Span approximately 74 m

The bridge is designed to be functional, durable, and attractive while also being easy to maintain.

Status

 Detailed design phase

Project Benefits

The new bridge will continue to be used by pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians and be strong enough to accommodate emergency response vehicles and maintenance equipment.

The Holt Creek Bridge is an important active transportation corridor and recreation tourism attraction in the Cowichan Valley.

Replacement of the Holt Creek Bridge supports the provincial Active Transportation Strategy.

Schedule

• Approval for Detailed Design Spring 2022
• Detailed Design Summer/Fall 2022 < We are here
• Construction Funding Approval Winter 2023
• Construction 2023/2024

Public Consultation

Anyone with an interest in the Holt Creek Bridge Replacement Project is invited to attend an information session

Date:
March 27, 2023

Time:
7pm - 9pm

Location:
Cowichan Community Centre
2687 James Street
Duncan, B.C.

• View the information session presentation materials (PDF, 18 MB) 

Project Photo Gallery