Planning process underway to reconnect Tkemlps te Secwpemc lands to downtown Kamloops

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is leading a planning process to reconnect Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc lands to downtown Kamloops after the Red Bridge was destroyed by fire on September 19, 2024. This initiative involves designing a modern replacement bridge along the original alignment and evaluating other potential transportation solutions. Collaborating with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and the City of Kamloops, the ministry has already implemented several safety measures to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. These measures include a centre median barrier installation and modifications to left-turn access on Highway 5. Cleanup and restoration efforts along the South Thompson River shoreline were completed in June 2025, further demonstrating the commitment to the area's infrastructure.

The parties involved emphasize the importance of aligning the project with provincial requirements to secure future funding opportunities. Public updates on the preferred options from the planning process are anticipated in spring 2026. This initiative is crucial for reinvigorating community connectivity and improving transportation infrastructure in the region.