Drivers in Kamloops are being warned to expect delays as construction begins on the Sagebrush overpass along Highway 1.
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit says work starts Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. and is expected to last about four weeks.
The project will see crews replace bridge joints on the eastbound lanes between Columbia Street and Summit Drive.
“It involves removing the existing joints and actually grinding out the concrete and then replacing them with new joints and concrete work as well,” said Katie Ward, deputy director for the Southern Interior Region.
Changing traffic patterns
Traffic will be significantly altered throughout the project.
During the day, from 3:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., eastbound traffic will remain on the highway but shift into the westbound lanes, with one lane open in each direction on the overpass.
Overnight westbound detour
At night, from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., westbound drivers will be detoured off Highway 1 at Summit Drive, routed along Notre Dame Drive, and then back onto the highway via Columbia Street.
Eastbound traffic will continue across the overpass using the westbound side during overnight hours.
The nighttime detour is in place to allow oversized and wide loads to move through the area safely.
Expect delays and reduced speeds
A reduced speed limit of 50 km/h and a width restriction of 3.8 metres will be in effect during daytime hours.
The ministry says drivers should be prepared for slower travel, especially along the uphill stretch where heavy truck traffic can already cause congestion.
“We really encourage drivers to plan extra time, especially as we start this project off and traffic finds ways to reroute,” Ward said. “Leave extra time on your commutes in the mornings and evenings and have some patience for the traffic control and workers out there.”
Work may not always be visible
Drivers may not always see crews actively working on site, but the ministry says that is expected.
Some phases of the project require time for newly poured concrete to cure before work can continue.
Part of ongoing maintenance
Ward says the work is part of routine maintenance to keep infrastructure in good condition.
“This work is important to ensure the longevity of our structures, and is part of the regular rehabilitation we need to do on all of our bridges,” she said.
The ministry adds it has shared information about the project with the trucking industry and other stakeholders ahead of construction, and is asking all drivers to follow signage and directions from traffic-control personnel.
