Construction at Kicking Horse Canyon making major progress

Photo: BC Highways Flickr

Construction on the Trans-Canada Highway near Golden isn’t scheduled to be completed until winter 2023-24, but the project has made notable progress.

Phase 4 of the Kicking Horse Canyon project has seen new bridges and retaining walls constructed along with new highway viaducts along the section Highway 1.

“It is remarkable to see the transformation of this highway as the finishing touches are put on key bridges and the first year of construction nears completion,” said Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

“The Kicking Horse Canyon is a vital route for commerce and commuters, and its extensive renovation will benefit the local economy and community by reducing congestion and increasing road safety. Our government’s investments in transportation often pull double duty, improving commercial trade and residents’ quality of life.”

Progress this year includes the construction of Bighorn Bridge — at 160 metres it’s the project's longest bridge and the girders were just recently installed. The eastbound lanes of the Sheep Bridge are nearing completion with the concrete bridge deck recently poured.

“The engineering needed to upgrade Highway 1 through the Kicking Horse Canyon is absolutely extraordinary,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“The first year of construction has been challenging, but excellent progress has been made. When completed, these major improvements to this section of highway will make travel better and safer for all who use it.”

The $601 million project is split between the federal and provincial governments.

It involves realigning and widening 4.8 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway through the canyon. The work includes the construction of four new bridges and nine new viaducts.

The next round of complete highway closures is expected to come this fall.