Work has begun to build new bridge on Highway 95 over Luxor Creek near Spur Valley.

The total contract cost of the work is $3.9 million and has reduced traffic traveling over the existing old bridge to a single lane (alternating directions). The new bridge, when complete, will be 70 metres in length.

“The project involves removing an existing culvert, which lies under Highway 95, and replacing it with a new bridge that will provide more capacity for the creek water to flow during high volume periods,” said Ministry of Transport public affairs officer Sonia Lowe, adding that the new bridge will increase the safety and reliability of the crossing.

Work on the bridge is already underway and is scheduled to be completed next spring. The company carrying out the work is Tybo Contracting Ltd, which has its headquarters in Langley, B.C. Construction work and the single alternating lane will mean slightly increased driving times (by just a few minutes) between Golden and Invermere for the duration of the summer and quite possibly next spring as well.

The Luxor Creek bridge project is part of B.C. on the Move, the province’s official 10-year transportation plan.The provincial plan will see more than $800 million spent during the next three years on projects to renew existing highways, bridges and side roads.