The City of Kamloops is officially looking to partner with a consultant to study the feasibility and location for a new bridge across the Thompson River, west of the Overlanders Bridge.

It issued a request for proposals on BC Bid on June 2, with the successful consultant tasked with determining the best way to try and connect major existing roadways while diverting semi-trucks away from the city centre.

“The results of this study will guide city staff in both transportation and land-use planning to protect the identified corridor for the future crossing,” the document said.

“A future Thompson River crossing for the long term is crucial, and this study should identify the preferred future crossing location to permit the city to plan for and secure this future corridor.”

While planning work has been underway for a few years, it is not clear where the new bridge will be built. That said, it won’t be along Singh Street though, after that idea was taken off the books in 2018 because of geotechnical issues.

The city’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) – which was finalized in 2018 – identified the need for a bridge crossing study, though it also estimated that the new bridge wouldn’t be needed until the city’s population reached 120,000 people.

“The Singh Street Bridge has been assessed to align poorly with the stated Vision, Goals, and Objectives of the TMP, and it does not appear to be required within the horizon of KAMPLAN,” the Transportation Master Plan said. “However, a future Thompson River crossing for the long term is crucial, and this study should identify the preferred future crossing location to permit the City to plan for and secure this future corridor.”

The plan also estimated that the required population mark would be reached in 2037 -assuming an annual growth of 1.25 per cent – with census data as of 2016 showing 90,280 residents in Kamloops.

As it stands, there are five bridges in Kamloops – Overlanders Bridge, Red Bridge, Halston Bridge, the Yellowhead Highway Bridge, and the Lafarge Bridge – though not all of them fall under the jurisdiction of the City.

“No additional river crossings are anticipated within the term of this plan, although upgrading and rehabilitation of existing bridges may be required,” the TMP document added. “During the term of this plan, the City will undertake studies to confirm the location of the preferred crossing.”

The successful consultant will be looking at a broad area west of the Overlanders Bridge – between Aviation Way and the McDonald Park area – in the hopes of finding a suitable location.

The study will also include a concept design, archaeological, and environmental assessments, as well as consultation with stakeholders – which include ICBC, the Ministry of Transportation, and Kamloops Airport – along with a estimate of costs and a location.

Interested firms have until June 25 to apply, with the city expecting to have finalized a contract by July.