Prince George, B.C. - The new twin span of the Simon Fraser bridge is now officially, open, sort of.

 

The switch from the old span to the new will be made overnight, so crews can do some upgrade work on the old span, to integrate the two structures. The full four lanes are expected to be ready for use within weeks.

 

Politicians from all three levels of government as well as members of the public, were on hand today to celebrate the official opening of the new span.

 

Built at a cost of $43 million the span includes a bicycle/pedestrian lane that will provide increased safety. It also has some relief panels depicting the arrival of explorer Simon Fraser and his encounter with First Nations.

 

Also unveiled today, a special plaque that will display the names of the 420 people who worked on the construction of the bridge.

 

"The Simon Fraser Bridge is a key component of our Cariboo Connector strategy," said  Minister of Transportation Shirley Bond, Bond. 'We recognize that Highway 97 is an essential part of our trade corridor and ongoing

economic development opportunities. We also know that it is used daily by residents and tourists alike.”

 

Mayor Dan Rogers hailed the twinned span as “An investment that will drive the economy into the future.”

 

The twinned span will increase the capacity of Highway 97 across the Fraser River for over 21,000 vehicles daily. The Province provided $27 million as part of the $240-million first phase of the Cariboo Connector strategy, initiated as part of a long-term plan to four-lane the 460-kilometre portion of Highway 97 between Prince George and Cache Creek.

 

The federal government provided $16 million of the funding through the Mountain Pine Beetle Program under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor initiative.