The drive between Sparwood and the Crowsnest Pass is about to get a little easier. A $3.9 million contract has been awarded for the replacement of the Alexander Bridge, located on Highway 3, just west of the Alberta border.
The new two-lane structure will replace the current Alexander Bridge, which was built in 1953. The replacement bridge will be over three metres wider than the existing structure and the approaches will be realigned, improving safety for area residents, tourists, and commercial and industrial users.
“Our government has invested tens of millions into Highway 3 between the Alberta border and Elko, including the bridges,” stated Bill Bennett, Kootenay East MLA. “The Alexander Bridge replacement is another major improvement in public safety along this essential corridor.”
The Alexander Bridge is used by many trucks to access the Kingsgate border crossing for travel from Alberta, as well as points east to Washington, California, and Oregon. The stretch of Highway 3 is also the route most fruit and vegetable trucks use to get from California and Oregon to Alberta, and is the preferred route to ship livestock from the region to the United States.
Work will begin in May and the bridge is expected to be complete by the end of September. Motorists are advised to check DriveBC for details on any construction delays.