Public invited to share input on Kamloops area transportation improvements

Details from this BC Government news release:

Summary:

• People can access the online survey June 3-26, 2026
• In-person open houses will take place on June 3 and June 11

People are invited to provide their feedback about the options being considered to improve transportation in the Kamloops area following the loss of the Red Bridge.

From June 3-26, 2026, project boards and a survey will be available online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/tkemlups-kamloops-network#we-want-to-hear-from-you

People are also invited to attend two open houses:

June 3, 2026, from 2-7 p.m. at Moccasin Square Gardens, 357 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops
June 11, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Sandman Centre Kia Lounge, 300 Lorne St., Kamloops
Attendees to the open house will have an opportunity to ask the project team questions and to complete the engagement survey on site.

The Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc – City of Kamloops Transportation Network Improvements Project is a Ministry of Transportation and Transit planning and design initiative to explore the best ways to improve transportation in the Kamloops area, while reflecting the community’s needs and respecting the cultural significance of the former Red Bridge site.

The ministry is delivering this project in line with its standard planning process, in partnership with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops. What the ministry hears through this engagement, together with input from Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, the City of Kamloops, and technical, financial and environmental information, will inform the recommended transportation options.

Options under consideration include:

• conceptual design for a modern replacement crossing for the bridge
• an active-transportation-only crossing
• surrounding highway network improvements

Next steps

The project team has been focused on understanding transportation needs in the area, while identifying opportunities for additional transportation improvements along Highway 5 North. The team has also been advancing early planning and design of options for replacing the Red Bridge to meet current engineering standards.

Through fall 2025 and spring 2026, the team completed geotechnical, environmental and archeological site assessments along both banks and in the waters of the South Thompson River.

The three governments are committed to moving the planning process forward with the shared goal of improving transportation connections between the two communities.