The District of Kitimat is excited to celebrate the substantial completion of the new Haisla Bridge, marking a major milestone in this two-year construction project.

“The patience of the community now pays off as we unveil this new bridge that will be both a highly needed new river crossing, and a great showpiece of Haisla art,” says Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth.

As the new bridge opens, motorists will enjoy this new crossing which replaces the long-familiar streel structure with its distinct metal clanging sounds. Motorists and pedestrians will also enjoy illuminated panels along the new bridge railings, featuring artwork depicting Haisla Nation clans.

The art was created by Haisla artists Paul Windsor and Nathan Wilson.

Construction of the new Haisla Bridge began in Summer 2021, thanks to funding of $55 million from the Government of Canada through Pacifican.

“The new Haisla Bridge is more than a bridge, it is an important connector for Kitimat and the rest of Northern British Columbia to well-paying jobs and new economic opportunities,” says the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). “The completion of the bridge is an important step in advancing reconciliation with First Nations and building prosperity in the region.”

Once open for traffic, motorists will need to stay alert for continuing traffic changes. In particular, as certain finishing touches are completed, the flow of traffic will be split both between the new Haisla Bridge and the original, starting mid-July.

Decommissioning and dismantling of the original Haisla Bridge will begin once the new bridge is fully open to both directions of traffic.

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