2nd Avenue Bridge (Updated June 20th)

June 20th Update

Following challenges encountered with high traffic volumes on the alternate route to 2nd Ave bridge yesterday, the City is coordinating with CN to determine an improved rerouting strategy. This is intended to improve the safety of the route. In the interim, the bridge has been reopened at minimum for the weekend to two way traffic and pedestrians and cyclists are directed to use Moresby trail as the main access point. For safety, cyclists are recommended to dismount.  
 
As previously advised to residents in a notice to all households, anyone requiring accommodations for mobility or safety can reach out directly to the City for alternative transportation arrangements at (250) 627 0934 or email cityhall@princerupert.ca. The City will also have security on site during nighttime hours at Moresby trail and lighting will be installed to enhance the security of the area. We appreciate residents patience while these changes are made and will provide an update as soon as one is available regarding the updated alternate routing strategy. 
 

June 19th Update

2nd Ave Bridge Closure – Pedestrian and Cyclist Routing Update

Due to higher than anticipated volumes of traffic with the closure of 2nd Avenue Bridge, the City is working with CN to install additional safety measures along the alternate route. This means that there will be a temporary closure of the alternative route to both pedestrians and cyclists while these improvements are made. In the interim, pedestrians and cyclists must use the Moresby trail system alternate route. For safety, cyclists are recommended to dismount due to the gravel condition of the paths. We are working with CN to adjust the travel route as soon as possible and appreciate your patience.

As noted previously, any pedestrian with mobility challenges who is not comfortable using the alternate routes provided may contact City Hall to coordinate vouchers/passes for alternative transportation options. Please call (250) 627 0934 or email cityhall@princerupert.ca for assistance. 

Current available pedestrian routes are below:

 

ORIGINAL NOTICE BELOW

The 2nd Avenue Bridge project will be commencing this week (anticipated start is Thursday), with a construction timeline of approximately 2 months. To complete the work, the contractors require a full closure of the bridge, and so vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian traffic must be fully re-routed. 

Alternative access for cyclists, pedestrians and single lane vehicle traffic will be available via the bottom of Graham Avenue and 11th/Water Street via the CN  Rail service road depicted in the map below. Timed lights will be in place at either side of the crossing to enable safe passage. Additional detours and signage will be in place to enable that connection. Emergency vehicles and public transit will also access the area via this alternate route.

Pedestrians using the CN Rail service road will be required to keep to the access road and not to trespass , and there will be 24/7 security on site.   Pedestrians may also access Park Avenue through the two available entrances to the Moresby Pond trail network. (See map below for details).  Alternative options will be made available to those residents with accessibility and/or mobility challenges that prevent the use of these options. Notices have been delivered to residents in the impacted areas with instructions to contact (250) 627 0934 or email cityhall@princerupert.ca so that we can provide appropriate supports.

In addition, bus service is available from ~7 am to ~6 pm on weekdays, and ~7 am to ~9 pm on weekends, and will be continuing throughout this construction work. For additional information on the schedule of buses, go to: https://www.bctransit.com/prince-rupert/schedules-and-maps/.

This project includes critical repairs to the single access point bridge linking this neighbourhood to the rest of the community, including the full replacement of the pedestrian section of the bridge and structural upgrades. 

Over the longer term, the City will also be exploring alternative routing options for this bridge, given its overall age and condition. As we move forward, additional information will be shared with respect to the options provided by our engineers.  

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding while this work is undertaken.