Cusheon Creek Bridge

This project, on Salt Spring Island, plans to replace culverts that convey Cusheon Creek beneath Fulford-Ganges Road (from Blackburn Lake to Cusheon Lake) with an open bottom crossing (bridge).

In November 2021 an atmospheric river event resulted in the roadway flooding at this location, fully closing the road for several days and washing out the road shoulder. The existing culverts are undersized and fatigued. Another significant weather event may result in a complete failure of the road.

Fulford-Ganges Road is a critical connection for residents, businesses, emergency services and the transportation of goods on Salt Spring Island.

The project will:

• Replace culverts with an open bottom crossing (single span 20 m box girder bridge with piles and pile caps)

Environmental considerations

Qualified environmental professionals have been retained to conduct:

• Amphibian salvage isolation/sweeps
• Bird nesting sweeps
• Tree Risk Assessment (Registered Professional Forester)
• Other environmental monitoring

Schedule

Early works

• March 5 to 14, 2025: Tree clearing
• April/June 2025: Utility relocations

Permanent works

• Tender is planned for this spring with the permanent works planned for this summer/fall

Project benefits

• Increases resiliency of infrastructure during future extreme climate events
• Reduces flooding risk by addressing the drainage capacity of Blackburn Lake
• Addresses storm surge events and/or accumulative watershed contribution that currently overwhelm the existing drainage culverts
• Better balances water levels between Blackburn Lake and Cusheon Lake when events occur
• Provides an environmental benefit for fish passage
• Restores a more natural stream environment
• Improves safety for drivers