High water wipes out BX Creek bridges

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: July 06, 2012 1:00 AM

Flooding has left Greater Vernon hikers high and dry. Four trail bridges have sustained significant damage because of a swollen BX Creek. “They are either completely removed from where they were located or they are completely trashed,” said Keith Pinkoski, a parks planner with the Regional District of North Okanagan. That means a popular recreational amenity is unavailable. “We want to make sure they are replaced,” said Pinkoski. However, a significant challenge is finding the about $15,000 per bridge that is required to move ahead with the work. “We have not budgeted for replacement in 2012,” said Pinkoski, adding that the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will have to determine a source of funds. The price tag is based on current specifications for constructing bridges. “The problem is the current bridges were just put in,” said Mike Macnabb, GVAC chairperson. “The new ones are built higher and they won’t get washed out. We don’t want a Cadillac version but we don’t want to replace them every year.” It’s anticipated replacement could begin late this summer or during the fall. “We don’t want to move ahead too quick because high water will be in place until about mid-July,” said Pinkoski. Beyond the bridges, a section of BX Creek trail has been washed out at Deleenheer Road and 20th Street, near Wal-Mart. “We’ve got a few calls from people on that,” said Pinkoski. Another issue that RDNO is looking at is the closure of East Vernon and Tillicum roads because of flood damage. Macnabb says the closures have caused access issues for residents and emergency crews and he wants   to know when the Ministry of Transportation will proceed with repairs. The ministry stated recently that work cannot proceed until water levels drop.