The footbridge over Brohm Lake, which has been closed since 2023, is finally set to reopen.
The crossing, which allows hikers to make a complete loop of the lake, was dismantled due to rotting wood that made it unsafe.
However, a new metal bridge is almost complete.
Recreation Sites and Trails expects work to be done and the bridge to be opened by early to mid-August, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Parks.
“Completion of the bridge will restore visitor access to the loop around the lake, significantly enhancing the experience for visitors,” the spokesperson said.
Sea to Sky contractor Howler Contracting Limited is doing the work.
The ministry says the existing sills are made of yellow cedar, while aluminum forms the new bridge structure. The bridge decking is rough-sawn cedar, which was chosen as it is safe for fish and seen as a safe, conservation-friendly alternative to pressure-treated wood.
The total value of the contract for this pedestrian bridge is $92,000, the spokesperson said.
Asked how long the new bridge is expected to last, the spokesperson said the design and materials for the bridge construction were chosen with longevity in mind.
“We expect the bridge to last for up to 20 years,” the spokesperson said.
“Due to the design, as materials degrade, it will be easier to repair while maintaining the integrity of the bridge.”
The spokesperson also took the opportunity to remind folks that parking at Brohm Lake is limited.
“Visitors are encouraged to carpool and ensure they are obeying all traffic laws in accessing this location, as well as to not park in unauthorized locations, specifically along the highway shoulder adjacent to the site,” they said.
