April 10, 2008

Floating bridge on British Columbia lake overcomes early delays

KELOWNA , B.C.

Motorists will be crossing Okanagan Lake on the new William R. Bennett Bridge sooner than expected.

Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced last Friday the $144.5- million span will open May 25, more than a month ahead of schedule.

The early opening is even more impressive considering the project was delayed 73 days when it began because aboriginal artifacts were discovered where the graving dock was being constructed. The dock is located about nine kilometres north of the bridge on the west side of the lake.

Falcon said the bridge will be open in time for the tourist season. He credited the Ministry of Transportation and Highways and contractor SNC-Lavalin Inc. with getting the project not only back on track, but ahead of schedule. Falcon said the bridge is one of seven floating bridges in North America and called it a marvel of technology and construction.

The $13-million Campbell Road interchange project at the west end of the bridge will also be completed in May. That project is being managed by the Westbank First Nation. A celebration is planned for the grand opening of the new bridge.

Falcon noted the current floating bridge opened 50 years ago, when B.C. celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Canadian Press

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