Press Releases

Chilliwack, BC: The Vedder Bridge Replacement Project is almost complete and members of the public are invited to experience the new Vedder Bridge on August 24 and walk across it before it is opened to traffic.

Thanks to joint funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia, through the New Building Canada Fund - Small Communities Fund (NBCF-SCF), the replacement project saw the existing two-lane steel through-truss bridge over the Vedder River replaced with a new two-lane steel arch bridge with shoulders and multi-use pathways. The north and south approaches to the bridge are also being updated and the adjacent intersection will soon be upgraded to a single lane roundabout, which will provide greater travel capacity and improved safety.

To celebrate the new bridge and say goodbye to the old, the City of Chilliwack is hosting a free family-friendly event featuring food, live music, history and transportation displays, family-oriented activities, dignitary speeches and an opportunity to experience the new bridge before it is opened to traffic.

Event details:
Thursday, August 24
10 am – 1 pm
On the Vedder Bridge

Under the NBCF-SCF, the Government of Canada provided $4,187,916 and the Province of British Columbia contributed $4,187,916 towards the new Vedder Bridge. The City of Chilliwack is responsible for the remaining costs of the project of 4,187,916.

The new bridge system was designed to minimize the amount of work needed to be completed over water, before launching the 80 meter long bridge over the river in April 2017. Completing work over land was safer, more productive and cost effective.

The old Vedder Bridge was constructed in 1947, and was deficient in clearance above flood waters. It did not meet present day lane width standards and limited pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The new Vedder Bridge will provide enhanced safety, more efficient vehicular movements and increased facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. Substantial completion of this project is expected by October 2017.

Residents are encouraged to carpool or take alternative modes of transportation to the August 24 event in order to avoid traffic congestion in the area. Please visit chilliwack.com/vedderbridge for event maps and parking information.

Quotes

“The new Vedder Bridge will significantly improve traffic flow and safety on a key local crossing, and also open up more routes for pedestrians and cyclists,” said the Honourable Armajeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada’s investment in this project reflects its commitment to meeting community needs now while laying the groundwork for economic growth and middle-class job creation well into the future.”
The Honourable Armajeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“This government is committed to addressing the infrastructure needs of communities throughout British Columbia,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The multi-use design of the new Vedder Bridge will benefit all members of the Chilliwack community – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. This is the kind of design that will take B.C.’s infrastructure into the future.”
The Honourable Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“As a City we carefully plan and save for new infrastructure improvements, avoiding debt and the future financial burden that comes with borrowed funds,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz. “Thanks to Federal and Provincial funding, we contributed one-third of the total project cost and look forward to enjoying a new bridge that accommodates a variety of travel methods, including walking and cycling, with a wide multi-use pathway.”
Mayor Sharon Gaetz