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Bridge being replaced at the south entrance to Lillooet

Whistler drivers can expect delays heading north during the construction of the $11.9-million bridge
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Screen grab from Youtube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekWRjEi3fss&feature=youtu.be. Photo: YOUTUBE/MINISTRYOFTRANBC

If you travel north along Duffey Lake, some changes are underway that may cause delays.

Work has begun to replace the single-lane Lillooet Station Bridge with a new two-lane structure, at the south entrance to the Village of Lillooet.

"This bridge on Highway 99 links the Village of Lillooet and the Cayoose Creek Indian Reserve," said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in a news release. "The expanded capacity and sidewalk will mean safer access for both communities and, of course, for people travelling through the area."

The $11.9-million bridge replacement project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2020.

The current single-lane bridge at the south entrance to Lillooet was installed in 1994 as a temporary structure until a permanent replacement could be designed and constructed, the release states.

The new two-lane crossing will include a sidewalk, will be built using steel girders and pilings, and will eliminate the need for a pier in the river.

"Cayoose Creek Indian Band and the ministry are building bridges together through the Lillooet Station Bridge project," said Chief Michelle Edwards, Cayoose Creek Band in the release. "This project has created numerous opportunities and benefits for our community."

The existing crossing will act as a detour during construction.

"The District of Lillooet is very pleased that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Sekw'el'was have agreed to undertake the most-important Station Bridge project," said Peter Busse, mayor, District of Lillooet. "The bridge will provide all of our communities a safer, more efficient crossing of Cayoose Creek on St'at'imc traditional territory."

This article originally appeared here.