Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Yukon government’s Nisutlin Bay Bridge replacement project – the largest capital project in the territory’s history – has been awarded to Graham Infrastructure LP for $160 million.
The new Nisutlin Bay Bridge is an important crossing to the community, and serves as a critical transportation link for the territory, a key gateway to the Yukon and a critical transportation link along the Alaska Highway.
The new structure was designed with input from the community and in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council and is expected to create many local and First Nations jobs during its construction, which will begin in the coming weeks and be complete in 2026.
“This project is an excellent example of the benefits provided by the Yukon First Nations Procurement Policy and will create jobs for Teslin Tlinglit community members and Yukoners,” said Nils Clarke, minister of highways and public works. “I look forward to seeing this new bridge constructed to continue allowing travellers and goods to enter the territory while better protecting the safety of drivers and pedestrians for years to come.”
In 2019, the Government of Yukon and the Teslin Tlingit Council signed a project charter for the bridge replacement. Originally designed in 1953, the bridge is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.
In addition to being safer for drivers and pedestrians, it will accommodate increased traffic volumes and can also handle larger loads of commercial and strategic goods to supply the Yukon and Alaska.
“Replacing the iconic Nisutlin Bay Bridge is a major project for our community, the largest in recent memory,” added Eric Morris, Naa Shaáde Háni of Teslin Tlingit Council.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Yukon government and Graham Infrastructure LP to maximize the economic benefits for the community while minimizing the social impacts of the project.”