Osoyoos bridge deemed unaffected by flooding
With a threat of increased flooding this week, Osoyoos residents should have plenty to worry about.
But, according to the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the bridge that bisects the community isn’t one of them.
“Based on current forecasts, the ministry is not concerned that the water level will rise to a point that the bridge deck would be under water, or we would be concerned about the integrity of the bridge,” said a ministry spokesperson Tuesday.
“When we design our structures and roads, we do take into consideration many factors including potential for extreme flooding like we are seeing this year.”
Ministry and maintenance contractor staff are monitoring the current flooding situation across the South Okanagan.
“There has been a significant number of flooding events in the region, and as of this morning, the ministry is tracking more than 200 sites in the Southern Interior, with 34 road closures due to flooding,” the spokesperson added.
Late last week, the Chopaka bridge — which provides access to the Lower Similkameen First Nation southeast of Keremeos — was closed when the Similkameen River damaged a support beam.
Drivers heading out on B.C.’s highways can check DriveBC.ca for the most up-todate highways information.