Update, October 3, 2024:
Traffic exceeding GVW 46,500 kg should continue south on Highway 97 and exit at the North Nechako off-ramp. Continue west on North Nechako Road to the intersection with Foothills Boulevard, then continue south across the Foothills Bridge. The Foothills Bridge can accommodate permitted vehicles to a maximum GVW of 72,300 kg legal axle loading.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, BC – Preliminary work is now underway on the John Hart Forcemain Replacement Project, aimed at upgrading essential infrastructure servicing the north side of the Nechako River.
This project was first identified in 2019 after an inspection of the sanitary forcemain crossing over the Nechako River on the John Hart Bridge revealed areas of reduced pipe thickness and deteriorating hanger components.
The complexity of the project lies in installing a permanent bypass line that will run under the bridge. The new pipeline will span approximately 1300 metres, running from lift station PW117 on Richard Road to the intersection of Highway 97 and 5th Avenue where it will tie into the existing line.
In June, the City issued a statement advising residents to avoid a section of the Nechako River beneath the John Hart Bridge due to a sanitary sewer leak. City staff worked closely with the BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Environment Canada to mitigate health risks and environmental impacts. A temporary containment unit was created to minimize the spill.
The leak, which underscores the urgency of this project, was caused by aging infrastructure. The pipes, installed in 1977, are in need of upgrades.
As part of the project, a single lane for southbound traffic on the John Hart Bridge will be closed for one week starting October 1. Both southbound lanes will then be closed, with detours in place, for two weeks starting October 9. Residents are encouraged to watch for signs and use caution when driving through the area.
The project is expected to be fully completed by late February 2025, with awarded contracts totalling $6,791,978.
Every day, three million litres of wastewater pass through the forcemain, which services the entire north side of the river, including North Nechako and the Hart. Once the new line is installed, the existing line can be isolated and replaced, creating a redundant system in the event of a breakage. The "twinning" of the lines will also increase capacity, allowing for future growth and development.
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Media contact
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
City of Prince George
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca