Photo: Contributed

Rushing waters have forced the temporary closure of the Chopaka Bridge.

Rushing waters have forced the temporary closure of the Chopaka Bridge.

A support beam on the wooden bridge was damaged by flood debris, but Lower Similkameen Indian Band Chief Keith Crow said an engineer will be conducting an assessment on the bridge later today to determine if it can be re-opened.

“I just want the engineers to get here and have a look and tell me what we are dealing with,” said Crow. “Are we officially closing it or not.”

Argo crews were at the bridge at 5:30 a.m. and Crow is expecting the engineer this morning.

Security has been placed at the bridge which Crow said has been closed as a safety precaution until the assessment can be done.

An evacuation order was issued for the area Thursday, but some people chose to stay home, but they are not in any danger.

Chopaka Road is the only roadway that connects the band to the Crowsnest Highway and the rest of the area.

However, there are roads that connect the Canadian band across the border into the United States.

Castanet will have more information as soon as it becomes available.