Bridge closure could affect ÀreÀghting, chief warns

A three- to Àve-month closure of a section of Gellatly Road could jeopardize Àre protection in some areas of West Kelowna. Fire chief Jason Brolund says the reconstruction next year of a bridge over Powers Creek could represent a “risk” to the community. “I don’t want to hold up this process. I know it’s important that this bridge gets replaced,” Brolund told city council this week. “But it's also really important that we consider the risk to the community … I’m certainly concerned about safety issues.” There is no short detour around the planned closure site. To get to calls on the south side of the bridge, in an area that includes the Cove Resort, many single-family homes, and the sewage treatment plant, Àre crews would drive approximately an extra three kilometres on a route that includes Highway 97 and Gellatly Road South. “I live in a world where time and distance makes a difference,” Brolund said. “Both of those (considerations) are going to be impacted here.” The city plans to undertake a risk assessment in connection with the planned closure, to better identify what the possible impact on Àre department response times will be. If it’s considered to be signiÀcant, ways will be considered to provide access across Powers Creek at least to the Àre department. A temporary structure, open to all trafÀc, would cost at least $550,000, council heard. That’s been ruled out, for now, because of the expense. Parts of the foundation for the Gellatly Road bridge over Powers Creek date back to 1911, council heard. Along with concerns about its age, the bridge is regularly impacted by debris washed down the creek during spring run-off. “I’ve stood in the rain on a number of occasions and worried this thing’s going to wash out,” Brolund said. Current plans are to shut Gellatly Road at the creek in early January to construct the new crossing, at a currently estimated cost of $2 million. The road closure will vary between three and Àve months, council heard.