The removal of Nanaimo Avenue Bridge will take place later this week.
The removal of the bridge is necessary to ensure that the future creek flows, under flooding conditions, can safely pass through this section of the creek, said the city in a press release.
Work on the next phase to naturalize and restore flood protection on Penticton Creek will begin this week. The city has awarded the contract to H&M Construction Ltd. who completed three previous sections of the Penticton creek restoration project and plans to mobilize on the site as early as Wednesday June 29.
“All work in the creek must be completed during a limited window where the fish won’t be affected,” said the city’s project manager Ian Chapman. “Crews are eager to get started to meet the timelines and will be moving equipment to the site this week.”
This section of the project stretches between Nanaimo Avenue and the intersection of Norton Street and Wade Ave E. and involves a series of works beginning with the removal of the Nanaimo Avenue Bridge.
The remaining major activities are planned to take place in the creek during the annual fish window which this year is scheduled for July 15 to Aug. 30. This will involve redirecting the creek, removing concrete, undertaking earthworks and installing river rock.
Construction activities will affect transportation in and out of the area. With the removal of the bridge, vehicles will need to choose one of the other four routes, namely Pickering Street to Haven Hill Road/Eckhardt Ave., Van Horne Street to Vancouver Ave., Abbott Street to Vancouver Ave., and Westminster Ave. to Ellis Street.
BC Transit routes 3 and 16 were adjusted in June to prepare for the bridge removal. The creek side walkway and pedestrian bridge over the creek at Norton/Wade will likely be closed throughout the construction period starting in July. Pedestrians will be detoured around Wade Avenue and Van Horne St.
A letter has been mailed to residents in the area to confirm the timing of construction. Current information about the project will also be available at www.penticton.ca/restore-penticton-creek.