The classic Cliff Gilker loop is broken as the embattled bridges of Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD)’s Roberts Creek park face another closure.
The Gorge Bridge crossing Clack Creek has closed and engineers have told the SCRD the bridge should remain closed. It’s been deemed unsafe for public use as the main supporting beam is cracked, said the SCRD.
The final technical report is still to come –– hopefully this week –– and at that point the SCRD may have a better understanding of what happened, but are unsure if they will be able to pinpoint particular activity that caused the crack.
The SCRD acknowledged the bridge’s closure will mean people need to change how they use the park as there is now just one bridge crossing Clack Creek.
“There are temporary maps posted in the park and online that show the Upper Red Bridge pedestrian crossing over Clack Creek as well as alternate access points from the east side of the park," said SCRD staff in an email. "Staff are preparing improved site signage indicating directions and distances for the Upper Red Bridge crossing of Clack Creek."
Even before it cracked, Gorge Bridge was already slated for replacement as part of the SCRD’s $1.198 million Cliff Gilker remediation project. The project will also replace the Upper Waterfall Bridge and remove the Lower Waterfall and ZigZag Bridges, as well as complete trail resiliency work and sign improvements.
While several other bridges in Cliff Gilker Park were damaged in the November 2021 atmospheric river that devastated parts of B.C., including the Coast, the Gorge Bridge was not one. However, as part of the comprehensive inspection and assessments of the bridges in the park, the Gorge Bridge was identified as being at the end of its life, according to the SCRD.
The remediation project is set to begin next year.
