Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge Abutments

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Overview

The District of Squamish is planning to repair the Paradise Valley bailey bridge abutments in 2026. The abutments provide critical support of the bridge structure at both ends of the bridge and have been identified for repair through routine District bridge inspections. This work is required to improve the condition and safety of the bridge.

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Background

The Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge is a critical piece of District infrastructure located on Paradise Valley Road, approximately 17km north of Downtown Squamish.

The bridge was built in the 1980s using timber abutments. The bridge undergoes routine inspections every two years, which have identified that the original timber abutments are deteriorating and in need of urgent repair.

The bridge is located along the sole access road for residences, businesses and infrastructure on the north side of the bridge; for both the District of Squamish and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) jurisdiction.

Following the identified deficiencies in the abutments, the District hired a bridge engineer to complete a design for repairing the abutments. It is expected that there will be traffic access disruptions during construction. The District, in coordination with the SLRD, is working to understand and minimize the impacts of the repair work for public, commercial and emergency services access.

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Impacts

Some access disruptions are anticipated while the repair works are being completed. Given the critical importance of this bridge for community access, innovative design and construction methods are being explored with consultants which seek to minimize disruptions. Minimizing access disruptions will be a key piece of the evaluation criteria for all designs, as well as considerations around budget and permitting requirements. The District intends to complete the work in 2026 as quickly and efficiently as possible, in order to minimize community access constraints.

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Project Details

Design and finalization of the construction method is anticipated to be complete in 2025 with construction planned for 2026. Exact timing will be confirmed once a contractor is secured and the workplan is finalized.

Location

Map highlighting bridge in Paradise Valley.

Budget

The District’s current Financial Plan includes a budget of $1.05M for construction in 2026. The budget is expected to increase as options for minimizing traffic disruptions are explored.
This project is anticipated to be funded through District of Squamish reserves.

Project contact

[email protected]

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FAQ

Why is this work being planned?

The bridge abutments have been identified for repair through routine District biennial bridge inspections. This work is required to improve the condition and safety of this critical piece of infrastructure that provides access to the north part of Paradise Valley

How will this work impact access to residences, businesses, infrastructure and recreation across the bridge?

The District is currently working with consultants to design the project in a way that will minimize access disruptions. We recognize the Paradise Valley bailey bridge is the sole road access to homes, businesses, government facilities and infrastructure, both within the District of Squamish and the SLRD. The District will provide additional information as soon as it is available. Please sign up to receive direct project updates via email.

Why is the entire bridge not being repaired or replaced?

Full replacement of the bridge would require a substantially greater budget. Further, the bridge is in good structural condition and the planned abutment repairs are expected to extend the overall lifespan of the bridge abutments by 50 years. In addition, replacing only the abutments will significantly reduce the impact to the community in terms of access disruptions.

How will this impact emergency services access?

The District recognizes the need to maintain adequate emergency services during the repair work and we are currently exploring ways to mitigate risks and potential impacts during the repair works.

How will residents be informed of the construction schedule and project updates?

Initial notices are being delivered to residents and businesses north of the bridge to inform of the project. Area residents and businesses are encouraged to join our mailing list for direct updates throughout the project.