Abstract Manager

The construction of the new four-lane Bruhn Bridge, replacing the existing two-lane bridge, necessitates the widening of Highway 1 from two lanes to four lanes in Sicamous British Columbia. The four-laning of the west bridge approach involves significant rock blasting on the south side of Highway 1, on the west approach to the bridge. To ensure safety during rock blasting, close coordination with local communities and key project stakeholders, traffic operations along Highway 1, adjacent roads, and the intersections along the traffic diversion route is essential.

The construction traffic management plan includes specific closure windows for Highway 1: three 90-minute closures in Fall, Winter, and Spring, and one evening closure in Summer, each with a maximum stoppage duration of 45 minutes. Additionally, there will be 15-minute overnight closures and 24-hour single-lane alternating traffic (SLAT) during Fall, Winter, and Spring, except on days with full closures. SLAT will also be implemented overnight in Summer.

As the roadway closures on Highway 1 will be more than 90 minutes at times, regional traffic originally on Highway 1 will be diverted to the primary alternate route via Highway 97A and Highway 97B, which adds approximately 20 minutes and 20 km to the travel time and distance compared to the existing route along Highway 1.

This paper and presentation will discuss the traffic diversion assessment, traffic control measures, and intersection modifications for oversized vehicles due to road closures during the rock blasting schedule, associated queueing implications, and the impact on the road network. It also outlines traffic management strategies to maximize safety and minimize delays for both local and regional traffic between Sicamous and Salmon Arm.