B.C.’s Highway 8 nears completion with new bridges and safer roads, four years after devastating floods cut off communities.
Four Years Later, Highway 8 Reopens Stronger Than Ever
Four years after the catastrophic atmospheric river swept through B.C.’s Southern Interior, leaving communities isolated and claiming lives, progress along Highway 8 is finally shining through. The once-battered corridor from Spences Bridge to Merritt is nearly rebuilt, with new bridges and upgraded roadways providing safer, more resilient travel for residents and commuters alike.
New Bridges Mark Major Milestones
In November 2025, a major milestone was celebrated: the new permanent bridge at site 10A, roughly 14 kilometres east of Spences Bridge, officially opened to traffic. The temporary bridge that had been keeping vehicles moving beside it will soon be dismantled. Meanwhile, work continues on the second permanent bridge at site 10D, expected to open in December 2025.
Temporary one-lane bridges were initially constructed to restore access after heavy rains and floodwaters washed out 25 sections of Highway 8, completely destroying over seven kilometres of roadway. These emergency measures kept communities connected while permanent solutions were being designed and built.
Highway 8: A Corridor Transformed
The Highway Reinstatement Program, led by the Ministry of Transportation, focused on restoring access and rebuilding the route stronger than before. Asphalt now replaces all temporary gravel surfaces, and all three damaged bridges have been repaired or replaced.
The reconstruction also introduced a three-kilometre new alignment at sites 9 and 10, designed to improve safety and resilience. The updated road features deeper bridge footings, wider shoulders, enhanced concrete barriers, upsized culverts, and reinforced slopes with riprap to prevent erosion. Drivers will notice smoother, safer travel, even during extreme weather events.
Protecting Nature Alongside Infrastructure
While driver safety has been a top priority, environmental restoration has been integral to the project. New features along the Nicola Valley support wildlife and aquatic habitats, including in-stream rock clusters, side-channel habitats, large woody debris, and wildlife crossing tunnels.
The highway upgrades aim to strike a balance: connecting people safely while conserving the natural beauty of the region. Environmental restoration projects will continue into spring 2026, followed by asphalt resurfacing on select sections.
Looking Ahead
With the second bridge opening and final paving scheduled for 2026, Highway 8’s transformation is nearly complete—well ahead of its original September 2026 finish date. As the corridor reopens fully, it promises not only safer travel but also a more resilient route capable of withstanding future storms.
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