The construction and replacement of the Kicking Horse River Bridge has long been anticipated by the residents of Golden and the countless visitors who rely on the highway.
Understandably, concerns have been growing over the apparent lack of progress at the job site— highlighted by a towering, heavyduty crane that, until very recently, had been sitting idle on the specially constructed pad meant to house it.
I completely understand and share the community’s concerns. The bridge is located in the heart of town, and residents were promised a beautiful, state-of-the-art overpass. Our office has received numerous letters, calls, and emails asking for an update on what exactly is happening.
Last week, I secured a meeting with two staff members from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. My goal was to get clear answers to two basic questions:
1. Will the bridge be completed on the stated timeline of fall 2026?
2. Will the project remain within the originally stated budget of $89 million?
I’m pleased to report that the answer to both questions was a confident “YES.”
The delay stemmed from an issue with the steel ribs that form the frame of the bridge. The original materials were found to be inadequate, requiring retrofitting and the shipment of new components to the site. This caused a temporary slowdown in progress.
However, I was reassured by the Ministry that contingencies were built into both the timeline and budget from the outset to account for such challenges. While I acknowledged the unique complexities of this project, I also urged the government to improve its communication with the community. Transparent updates will help prevent rumors and speculation and keep residents informed.
I will continue to monitor this project closely and hold the government accountable to the commitments they’ve made regarding cost and completion.
At the end of the day, this will be an incredible bridge once completed—one that I believe all residents of Golden will be proud of.
