The province is issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) to guide transportation planning options after the loss of the Red Bridge in Kamloops.
Built in 1936, the wooden truss bridge was a load-restricted structure over the Thompson River, connecting downtown Kamloops with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc lands on the north side of the river.
Designed and built at a time when traffic volume was much lighter, and vehicles were considerably smaller, its wood-planked lanes were only 2.7 metres wide (standard lane width today is 3.5 metres). Five rehabilitation projects were carried out on the bridge over the last 88 years.
On Sept. 17, firefighters and police responded to a blaze at the Red Bridge, and were able to put it out. However, at about 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 19, a second fire completely destroyed the structure. Kamloops RCMP have said that the second fire was deliberately set, and might be connected with the previous one, and are treating the incident as arson.
“The Red Bridge was an important part of Kamloops' transportation needs," says Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. "By working closely with the community, we will develop a plan that reflects their priorities and provides safer, more sustainable connections for everyone."
The province is working with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops to ensure that plans reflect the community's needs while honouring the cultural significance of the site. The RFQ work will guide the assessment of potential options and recommendations to ensure that traffic flow, multi-modal connectivity, and safety are effectively supported in the region.
Cleanup of the damaged structure is ongoing, and will continue through the winter. Water quality sample results are being received and reviewed, and additional sampling and monitoring will take place throughout the operation.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with the support of the General Investigations Support Team, Forensic Identification Unit, fire investigators, Kamloops Fire Rescue, and frontline RCMP officers from both the Kamloops city and Tk’emlúps Rural detachments.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has video or dashcam footage from the time of the incident, or who has information related to either fire is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at (250) 828-3000 or Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment at (250) 314-1800 and reference file 2024-31206. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
