Trans-Canada Highway 1 RW Bruhn Bridge Replacement May 2016
RW Bruhn Bridge Project Objectives Improve safety, traffic flow and movement of goods Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists Replace the RW Bruhn Bridge to address aging infrastructure Improve access to local roads and development
Local Government & First Nations Engagement District Council, First Nations and Project Liaison Committee meetings held for input on project options and community needs Identified interest in a Main Street Bridge option to support community growth and connectivity Identified need to address community network planning Identified interest in multi-use trails Identified concerns for cultural heritage impacts
Project Delivery Province working towards a cost-sharing agreement with the federal government Proposed schedules are dependent on outcome of funding The project may be delivered in 2 phases Main Street component, and Trans-Canada Highway/RW Bruhn Bridge component- but yet to be determined
Where we are now: Preliminary design is well underway Value Analysis complete to refine scope, risks and costs Environmental investigations are underway Archaeological Investigations are underway
Project Area Highway West of Old Sicamous Rd. to east of Gill Ave. 2 Lane Rural Arterial Existing highway has narrow shoulders (1.0m to 2.0m) Potential intersection improvements/ turn-lanes at Old Sicamous, Old Spallumcheen, Gill Ave, Silver Sands
Existing RW Bruhn Bridge Constructed 1962, 2-lanes, 243m, 9 Spans Element Substructure Comment Concrete spalling, exposed rebar Girders Deck Barriers and railings Joints Drainage Coating repairs required Potholes, concrete spalling, exposed rebar Corrosion Seals, hardware issues Blocked
rock Rock and Steep Slopes Challenges Archaeology risk Vegetation risk Navigation and environment risk
Intersection Safety
Intersection Collision Rates Provincial Averages: 0.23 7.21
Current Traffic Volumes
Projected Traffic Volumes (2040)
Planning Options Recommended New 6-Lane Bridge on TCH Intersection at Old Spall Road closed local cross traffic uses 2 of the 6 lanes New 5-Lane Bridge on TCH Interchange at Old Spall Road New 4-lane Bridge on TCH with Main St Bridge Intersection at Old Spall Road closed
New 6-Lane Bridge on TCH RW Bruhn Bridge: 6 lanes Sidewalk (south side) Hwy 1/OSR & Gill Ave.: Converted to RIRO, WB LT-IN Restricted access to hwy NB LT traffic destined WB on hwy must use proposed turn-around at Silversands.
New 5-Lane Bridge on TCH OSR, On/Off Ramp: 10% Grade 30 km/hr speed Retaining walls (MSE) RW Bruhn Bridge: 5 lanes Sidewalk (south side) Hwy 1/OSR: Hwy access maintained via proposed interchange WB - RIRO provided by a new roadway, approx. 370m long passing under the new bridge EB - RIRO provided existing intersection location
Preferred Concept RW Bruhn Bridge: 4 lanes Paved Shoulders Hwy 1/OSR: Direct access to highway closed Proposed Main St. bridge to provide access into community Hwy access via Gill Ave, Silver Sands Rd. or proposed roundabout at Hwy 97A. Main St. Bridge: 2 lanes Pedestrian and cyclist accommodation
New 6-Lane Bridge on TCH Advantages Hwy 1 4-laning criteria is met. Supports future development proposed along OSR. Sidewalk supports vulnerable users. Local traffic will use parallel frontage road to access community services. Disadvantages Constructability and traffic management during construction will be challenging and may result in additional season of construction. High rock excavation is required compared to other options wider footprint. Proximity of frontage road to highway corridor increases headlight glare. Winter maintenance on new Bruhn Bridge and parallel frontage road will be challenging. Highest planning level costs compared to other options.
New 5-Lane Bridge on TCH Advantages Disadvantages Meets 4-lane criteria Full movement hwy access provided at OSR. Supports future development proposed along OSR. Improved travel time in WB direction compared to other options. Less impact to marine traffic Slightly lower planning level costs compared to other options. Constructability and traffic management during construction will be challenging and may result in additional season of construction. Interchange will require significant retaining walls (MSE) and steep grades on ramps High rock excavation is required compared to other options wider footprint. Local traffic required to use highway to access community services. Sidewalk on new Bruhn Bridge required and vulnerable users will be required to cross with high-speed traffic. Significant CPR property required. Extensive consultation with CPR required to confirm property acquisition. Winter maintenance on OSR WB ramp challenging.
Preferred Main Street Option Advantages Improves safety by eliminating conflicts with Hwy 1 by removing OSR intersection, ideally prior to TCH construction. Supports future development proposed along OSR. Enhances local connectivity between the east and west side of Sicamous, including cyclists and pedestrians. Improves constructability of new RW Bruhn Bridge. New bridge can be constructed offline while traffic uses existing bridge. Rock excavation quantities are lower than other options. Disadvantages Potential archeological and cultural impacts. Navigable waters consultation and approval from Transport Canada will be required for 2 bridges. Potential impact to marine traffic in the area of Main Street Bridge
Value Analysis Results Confirms: New 4 lane RW Bruhn Bridge is preferred Eliminating Old Spallumcheen Rd intersection via a new Main Street Bridge is preferred Identifies: High risk areas: BC Hydro transmission lines, archeology impacts, rock cuts and walls Recommends: Minimize footprint of Main Street bridge At-grade intersections MoT District network planning to confirm future needs
Next Steps Complete preliminary design Continue archeology and environment investigations Prepare for fall 2016 Public Open House