Studies to begin in first move towards replacing Taylor Bridge

TAYLOR, B.C. — The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is moving forward with new steps towards replacing the Taylor Bridge.

According to a June 12th press release, the ministry is conducting geotechnical studies on the north and south banks of the Peace River near the current bridge, in what it calls “part of the development of a long-term solution for the future of Taylor Bridge.”

The studies will reportedly involve drilling cylindrical piles of steel into the ground and installing advanced monitoring equipment to provide the ministry with geotechnical data it can use to assess what will be needed for the replacement bridge in terms of load capacity.

Hanna Infrastructure has received the contract to deliver the necessary equipment. According to the press release, it’s already in transit to the bridge. No timeline was given for when the work will begin, but the studies are expected to be complete by August 2026.

“Minimal traffic impacts are expected during the work,” the press release reads. “Some visual and noise impacts can be expected, with works occurring during daylight hours.”

The Taylor Bridge is an important fixture in our region, with many local figures calling for it to be replaced over the years, including current Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy and previous MLA Dan Davies.

The current bridge was built decades ago, and according to Kealy, it’s now “probably more weld repair than original steel,” with residents waiting more than 20 years for it to be replaced.