Traffic impacts on John Hart Bridge to start Tuesday

Traffic on the John Hart Bridge will be impacted for the next while.

This is due to the John Hart Forcemain Replacement Project.

The project is aimed at upgrading essential infrastructure servicing the north side of the Nechako River.

The project was first identified in 2019, after an inspection of the sanitary forcemain crossing over the Nechako River on the bridge revealed areas of reduced pipe thickness and deteriorating hanger components.

According to the City, the complexity of the project lies in installing a permanent bypass line that will run under the bridge.

This new pipeline will span roughly 1300 metres, running from lift station PW117 on Richard Road to the intersection of Highway 97 and 5th Avenue, where it will tie into the existing line.

In June, Prince George residents were advised by the City to avoid a section of the river beneath the bridge due to a sanitary sewer leak.

City staff worked closely with the BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Environment Canada to mitigate health risks and environmental impacts.

A temporary containment unit was created to minimize the spill.

According to the City, some traffic will be impacted as part of the project.

A single lane of southbound traffic on the John Hart Bridge will be closed for a week, starting tomorrow. (Tuesday)

Both southbound lanes will then be closed for two weeks starting October 9th.

Detours will be available, and residents are encouraged to watch for signs and use caution when driving through the area.

The project is expected to be fully completed by late February 2025, with awarded contracts totalling $6,791,978.