BC United Northern Transportation Strategy includes new Taylor Bridge

TAYLOR, B.C. — BC United leader Kevin Falcon shared an overview of the party’s Northern Transportation Strategy on Friday, which included fast-tracking a new Taylor Bridge.

In July 2022, Falcon came to Fort St. John, where he initially promised a new Taylor Bridge and North Peace MLA Dan Davies said the announcement of the strategy formalized that statement.

“We know we need a bridge. There’s no requirement to do any more studies on the feasibility of the bridge,” Davies said.

“You’ve talked to municipalities, you talk to anybody who uses the bridge, the transportation industry, it is a busy bridge and it’s failing. The deck is done.”

Residents in the Peace region are no strangers to the constant closures at the bridge due to the deck needing repairs.

Davies said each closure impacts the industry moving through the region because it is part of a major transportation corridor through British Columbia all the way up to Alaska.

“Enough talk. Let’s get it into the capital plan, and let’s get this thing built, period,” Davies said.

The MLA said a new Taylor Bridge would be put into the three-year capital plan.

Another part of the Northern Transportation Strategy is adding more passing lanes to major highways, including Highway 97. Davies said this will improve safety and increase traffic flow across the province.

The overview also includes resurrecting the Cariboo Connector Program, adding full amenity rest stops and focusing on long-term maintenance and repairs.