Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) – City of Kamloops Transportation Network Improvements Project
Last updated on August 24, 2026
On September 19, 2024, a fire destroyed the Red Bridge, causing traffic disruptions with the loss of the direct connection between the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) and downtown Kamloops.
This project is being led by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops. It includes a conceptual design for a modern replacement bridge on the original alignment, and will also assess other transportation solutions, review traffic and site data, and evaluate how potential options could affect adjacent infrastructure.
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
- The project team is currently reviewing feedback received during the June 2026 public engagement and developing a “What we heard” report summarizing this feedback. More than 6000 feedback forms were submitted in-person and online.
- Feedback received during this engagement, together with input from our partners, and technical, financial, and environmental information, will inform the recommended transportation options for evaluation.
- Geotechnical, environmental, and archaeology site assessments were completed in spring 2026 along both banks and in the waters of the South Thompson River. Additional site assessments are planned for late 2026.
Territorial acknowledgement
This project takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc (TteS), within Secwepemcúíecw. We are committed to continued work in partnership with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc for this project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is being done to respond to the loss of the Red Bridge?
Following the loss of the bridge, we focused first on clean-up to protect public safety and the environment. This work was completed in spring 2025.
For the past year, planning has been underway on potential options for improving transportation in the Kamloops area, particularly the connection between Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops following the loss of the Red Bridge. This includes reviewing traffic patterns and studying how different potential solutions will affect nearby roads and infrastructure and support future community growth.
Transportation options currently being evaluated by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit are:
- A vehicle and active transportation bridge,
- An active transportation-only bridge, and
- Highway 5 N improvements that could support one of the bridge options or be completed separately.
How is the Province working with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops on this project?
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is leading the work in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops.
The three governments remain committed to progressing the planning process as quickly as possible, with the shared goal of improving transportation connections between the two communities in a way that aligns with provincial requirements and future funding opportunities.
What options are being evaluated?
Transportation options currently being evaluated by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit are:
- A vehicle and active transportation bridge,
- An active transportation-only bridge, and
- Highway 5 N improvements that could support one of the bridge options or be completed separately.
Why are multiple options being evaluated?
When the Province plans a major project, it must look at several possible options. This work is guided by a framework that sets the minimum standards for how government plans and manages public infrastructure. This ensures that projects deliver the most benefit and value for communities.
Under this framework, ministries must first identify what is needed, look at different ways to address it, and conduct various analyses before any major project can move forward. This ensures decisions are based on evidence and reflect public needs.
Why isn’t there a temporary bridge?
The distance between the north bank and the south bank of the river is too great for a temporary structure, which would also restrict navigation on the river.
Was the Red Bridge insured?
Provincial infrastructure is not commercially insured. Instead, the Province covers the cost directly if an asset like the Red Bridge is damaged or lost.
This approach is standard for large public assets.
What is the next step in the process?
The project team is currently reviewing the feedback that was received during the June 2026 public engagement and developing a report summarizing this feedback. More than 6,000 feedback forms were submitted in-person and online.
This feedback, together with input from our partners, and technical, financial, and environmental information, will inform the recommended transportation options.
When will the business case be submitted?
We anticipate submitting a business case for approval in fall 2026.
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Contact information
Friendly url for this page:
gov.bc.ca/tkemlupskamloopsnetwork
For information about this project, contact:
Kristi Dutton
Project Lead