Kamloops East (Red) Bridge

On September 19, 2024, a fire destroyed the Red Bridge, causing traffic disruptions with the loss of the direct connection between the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TTeS) and downtown Kamloops.

The province is working with TTeS and the City of Kamloops (CoK) to develop a long-term solution that reflects the community's needs and respects the cultural significance of the site.

Background

Built in 1936, the bridge was a load-restricted structure for passenger vehicles and pedestrians, with lane widths measuring only 2.7 meters wide compared to the standard lane width of 3.5 meters. Five rehabilitation projects were completed on the bridge in the past 88 years.

Status

• Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to guide a planning study and field investigations has been issued.
• The cleanup of the damaged bridge will continue through the winter, with experts ensuring the work is done safely and responsibly.
• The Thompson-Nicola District has been responding to increased congestion on Highway 5 North since the fire and is continuing to make improvements to traffic flow.

---