Highway 1 Nicomen Bridge

Lytton, British Columbia

When the November 2021 floods devastated British Columbia’s transportation network, the Highway 1 Nicomen River Bridge became a priority for recovery. Located west of Spences Bridge, this crossing was essential for reconnecting communities, freight movement and emergency response. The project was delivered through an Alliance model between Kiewit and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT). This collaborative structure allowed the team to resolve challenges quickly, make decisions in real time and ensure safe, efficient delivery with long-term resilience in mind.

The new 69-metre, two-lane curved steel plate girder bridge was designed for seismic resilience, durability and climate readiness. Construction involved complex girder erection on steep grades and innovative sequencing that allowed traffic to keep moving through a single-lane alternating detour. A prefabricated detour bridge was later removed in a tandem crane lift and transported on self-propelled modular transporters during a single overnight closure, reducing delays and accelerating critical path work.

Alongside these technical achievements, the project embedded cultural and environmental stewardship at every stage. Indigenous Monitors guided archaeological protection and environmental practices, while Indigenous-owned businesses contributed services such as traffic control, monitoring and material supply. These partnerships created economic opportunities and built skills that will continue to benefit local communities long after construction was complete.