BURSTA new bridge over Canyon Creek on the Dome Recreation Trail is now complete.
Previously, there was no bridge on this trail which caters to recreational vehicles year-round.
With year-round use and a fish-bearing creek crossing, the Ministry of Environment and Parks said the bridge was needed to improve access and prevent vehicles from getting stuck in or near the creek and mitigate long-term environmental damage such as sediment/erosion problems.
The Smithers Snowmobile Association (SSA) and Bulkley Valley Quad Riders Society maintain the trail under partnership with the Province (Recreation Sites and Trails BC).
The budget for the bridge, including planning, design, installation and environmental monitoring, was $200,000.
The bridge itself is valued at $100,000 and was donated by West Fraser Mills.
The trail is subject to fees, which are determined by the Province and collected by the SSA.
In winter, the SSA grooms it with a snowcat.
The Dome Recreation Trail is located 22 kilometres east of Smithers via Babine Lake Road. It was closed for a good portion of the late summer to install the bridge, but has now reopened.