Holt Creek Bridge Replacement

The original Holt Creek Bridge has been replaced with a new bridge to ensure a safe and accessible trail connection between Shawnigan Lake and Lake Cowichan.

The Holt Creek Bridge, now called Q’ixluts Bridge (Hul’qumi’num place name for Holt Creek), is located 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 2023, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (who manages the trail between Shawnigan Lake and Glenora Trails Head Park) reported 78,230 visits at Glenora.

The original 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 new structure:

• Features a new steel frame structure with a timber deck
• Has steel girders supported on concrete footings on either side of the creek
• Spans approximately 74 m

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

Status

Phase I of the project (clearing, grubbing, and site prep works) has been completed.

Phase II (bridge replacement) has been completed. The bridge reopened on June 21, 2025.

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 Q’ixluts (Holt Creek) Bridge is an important active transportation corridor and recreation tourism attraction in the Cowichan Valley.

Replacement of the bridge supports the provincial Active Transportation Strategy.

Schedule

• Approval for Detailed Design Spring 2022
• Detailed Design Summer/Fall 2022
• Construction Funding Approval Winter 2023
• Construction started August 2024 and is substantially complete in May 2025
• Final trail restoration and revegetation works around the bridge site were completed in June 2025 and the bridge reopened on June 21, 2025.

Public Consultation

An information session was held March 27, 2023 in Duncan. 

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

Project photo gallery