Granisle and area residents will have a new bridge crossing the Fulton River by the fall of 2026.
The current bridge, called the Fulton River Hatchery Bridge, is along Hwy118 8km south of Granisle and has been in service since 1966.
But a new, two-span structure, along with an improved highway approaching and exiting alignment will better serve commercial and passenger vehicles, the provincial transportation and infrastructure ministry states in a release.
The height of the approaches to the bridge will be raised and that will improve visibility fo better sightlines and safer stopping distances.
The design includes a sidewalk separated from the roadway using a median and a dedicated pathway.
Construction leading toward completion does mean a detour and one of 1.5km is being provided.
Enviro-Ex Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the construction contract portion of the project and the entire project has a value estimated at $25.5 million.
Part of the work involves habitat enhancements to the Fulton River channel but no exact details of what that involves are available yet.
Village of Granisle mayor Linda McGuire welcomed the news of the project.
“The village became aware of this pending project several months ago. We have been waiting for the details provided in this release and look forward to the commencement and ongoing work on the Fulton River Hatchery bridge replacement,” she said.
“This will certainly enhance our ability to promote visitors and guests to our area once the project is complete.”
Enviro-Ex Contracting is based in Prince George and its bid of $14.7 million was the lowest of six submitted. The highest bid came in at $26.2 million.