Binnie’s Construction Services division started work on the Parsnip River Bridge Project in early 2018. The bridge is located on Highway 97 just to the South of the Mackenzie Junction. Binnie’s work involved replacing the existing bridge and any other roads or facilities impacted by the proposed work and constructing a new bridge and approaches.
“Highway 97 North is used extensively as a corridor to transport people, supplies, services and finished products to job sites and to market,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “The new Parsnip River Bridge will be able to accommodate larger commercial vehicles and will provide a safer, more comfortable crossing for residents of the surrounding communities.”
The existing lane configuration was maintained with a northbound passing lane developing from the north end of the existing structure and a southbound passing lane developing from the southern end of the structure.
The scope of work of Parsnip River Bridge Replacement project included project management, highway engineering, drainage design along with the following:
- Improvement of the vertical and horizontal geometry of Highway 97
- Drainage works, including the drainage of the highway and the new bridge structure
- Decommissioning of the existing bridge
- Removal of the existing bridge piers
- Pavement removal, milling, and overlay
- Reinstatement and improvement of all driveways and the boat ramp
The original steel bridge was built in 1953. However, with the bridge’s older structure, it had several limitations. The replacement project addressed the need for a bridge without height restrictions and a higher weight capacity. Drivers now have better sightlines with the new design and realignment of two kilometres of safer highway.
The last phase, deconstruction of the old bridge, was completed in Spring 2020. The main goals accomplished with this project included improving safety and capacity on Highway 97 North in Prince George.
To learn more about our construction services projects, click here:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017TRAN0287-002016
