Damage to the RW Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous (Photo via Skilled Truckers Canada)
The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District is not expecting there to be a prolonged closure on the Trans-Canada Highway as crews work to repair damage on the R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous after a fatal crash Saturday morning.
In an update Monday, the CSRD says there may be short-term closures or a single-lane of alternating traffic as crews work to repair the bridge deck and guard rail.
Drivers on the highway are being told to watch for a 30 km/hr speed limit and any traffic control personnel that may be on scene.
The repairs are needed after a semi went over the side of the bridge early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of the driver and significant damage to the bridge, which is slated to be replaced in its entirety starting this fall.
“Boat traffic in the Sicamous Narrows is open for public use. Repair work on the bridge above will be paused, if necessary, to allow boats to move safely underneath,” the CSRD update said, noting that spotters are being used to ensure safety.
The nearby Sicamous Beach Park is still closed, with the CSRD noting that other affected areas along the shoreline “may also be closed off as needed.”
“The public is asked to continue to stay away from these areas until clean-up can be completed. It is not yet known how long closures may be in effect,” the CSRD said.
“Multiple environmental and spill response agencies are back on-site to assess any environmental impacts and work on clean-up. Containment booms have been deployed to manage the diesel fuel spilled from the truck.”
Drivers are being told to check DriveBC for the latest information on repair work, while updates from the CSRD are available here.
Semi driver identified online
While RCMP have not said what caused the crashed, or identified the driver of the semi, he was identified online as 25-year-old Raminderjit Singh, who was working for Abbotsford-based Mountain Peak Transport.
Raminderjeet Singh (Photo via GoFundMe)
Fundraiser organizer Cynthia Caglayan says Singh leaves behind a sister, Sukhmanpreet, in Australia and his parents in India.
“All funds raised will go towards the needs of his family,” she added. “It has not been decided if Sukhmanpreet and her parents will be travelling to Canada or if Raminderjeet’s body will be flown home so his last rites will take place in India.”
“This is a monumental loss and no family should lose a loved one this way.”
