The Taylor Bridge, situated along Highway 97, links the North and South Peace regions to the rest of British Columbia.
Built in 1960, three years after the collapse of the Peace River Bridge, the two-lane structure is now well beyond its intended 30-year lifespan. Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld emphasized the need for its replacement, pointing out that it isn’t included in the province’s 10-year infrastructure plan.
In October 2021, the province began gathering feedback on the bridge’s future, consulting with Treaty 8 First Nations, stakeholders, and the public. Concerns have been raised about the bridge's inability to support the growing local economy, and there is strong support for a four-lane bridge designed for oversized loads. Neufeld describes the bridge as a vital economic connection, with around 7,500 vehicles crossing it daily, 30% of which are commercial. Additionally, 20% of the province’s overweight and oversized traffic moves through the Peace region.
Frequent maintenance of the aging metal structure has become costly and raises safety concerns. Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen expressed frustration with the delays, noting the bridge requires constant welding work. While the Ministry of Transportation conducted geotechnical investigations this summer, Hansen and others are urging the process to move faster, as the region relies on safe and reliable transportation across the Peace River.