TAYLOR - Frustration is mounting across northeastern British Columbia as residents, businesses and local leaders question whether ongoing repairs to the Taylor Bridge are enough, or if it’s time for a full replacement.
The bridge is a critical Highway 97 crossing over the Peace River connecting Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. Built in 1960, the structure carries roughly 7,500 vehicles a day, including a significant share of commercial traffic that supports the region’s resource-driven economy.
While the province maintains the bridge is safe and continues to invest in maintenance, critics say repeated repairs are no longer a sustainable solution.
Drivers are being warned to expect delays on the bridge Friday night, over a month’s worth of maintenance and repairs will be taking place.
Beginning on Tuesday, May 26th until Tuesday, June 30th, Dawson Road Maintenance will be conducting their spring maintenance program. Maintenance will take place Monday to Friday from 7:00 pm to 3:30 am.
During this time, motorists are being asked to watch for traffic control personnel as single lane alternating traffic will be in effect, led by a pilot car.
Oversized loads exceeding 3.85 metres in width are advised to schedule routes accordingly as they will not be allowed to cross the bridge during the work.
Aging infrastructure, ongoing repairs
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has acknowledged the bridge is nearing the end of its service life and is studying long-term options, including either major rehabilitation or a full replacement.
In the meantime, ongoing maintenance has led to frequent disruptions for drivers.
Provincial documents note that the aging structure requires regular work, which can result in traffic delays and detours — a growing concern in a region where there are limited alternate routes.
Engineering reports and industry groups have also pointed to structural issues, including corrosion and recurring repairs to steel components, which some argue highlight the limits of continued maintenance.
Calls for full replacement growing louder
Pressure is increasing from community groups and industry advocates who say the province should commit to replacing the bridge rather than continuing short-term fixes.
Opponents of the current approach argue that ongoing repairs drive up costs over time without solving long-term reliability concerns. Some warn that if the bridge were to close or face restrictions, drivers could face lengthy detours adding hundreds of kilometres to trips between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.
Local leaders and organizations have also raised concerns about the broader economic impact, noting the crossing plays a key role in moving goods across northern B.C. and beyond.
The provincial government says it is working toward a long-term solution, with engineering studies and geotechnical investigations underway to determine the best path forward.
Those studies will help inform whether the bridge is ultimately rehabilitated or replaced — a decision that will also take into account cost, environmental factors, traffic needs and input from local communities and First Nations.
However, no firm timeline has been announced for a final decision or construction.
Broader regional frustrations
The issue reflects a wider sense of frustration in the Peace Region, where residents have faced repeated infrastructure disruptions — including ongoing challenges tied to landslides and access routes in areas like Old Fort.
In that community, repeated damage to the only access road has sparked similar debates over whether to keep repairing existing infrastructure or invest in more permanent alternatives, highlighting the difficult choices facing government and residents alike.
Looking ahead
For many in northeastern B.C., the question is no longer whether the bridge needs major investment — but when and how it will happen.
Until a clear plan is in place, residents say the uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on daily travel, local industry and long-term confidence in the region’s infrastructure.
-M. Popove, Noah Abel - CJDC
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