Nares River (Naataase Heen) Bridge Replacement, Carcross, Yukon

Nares River Bridge is located at km 105.2 on the Klondike Highway #2, Yukon, in the village of Carcross, and approximately 75 km south of Whitehorse. The existing Nares River Bridge was constructed in 1970 and consists of 17 trestle spans with a total span of 129 m. The bridge carries two traffic lanes of Klondike Highway #2 across the Nares River. The superstructure is comprised of longitudinal timber wearing planks on a transverse timber sub-deck. The substructure consists of steel trestles comprised of steel cap beams, pipe piles, and bracing. The ballast wall at the abutments uses staggered wooden planks. The southern part of the Klondike Highway is an important link in the Yukon highway system because it serves the mining, international commerce and tourism industries. The bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure because there is no other reasonable detour route for the transportation of goods and services between Yukon and the Skagway port. While the bridge remains safe for usage today, heavy haul loads are no longer permitted on account of compromised bridge capacity. Because of the importance of Nares River Bridge, inadequacy of the existing structure, and asset depreciation, the bridge has been prioritized for replacement. Highways and Public Works (HPW) is currently replacing Nares River Bridge at Carcross with budget $14.25 millions on the project over two years. The Nares River Bridge replacement project will provide Yukoners with a bigger and better bridge as part of Yukon’s highway network. Not only will this new asset ensure the South Klondike Highway is ready and able to meet future traffic demands and support the community of Carcross and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, the project is also providing economic opportunities for Yukoners. For the first time on an infrastructure project of this nature, the Government of Yukon procurement process included a First Nation participation plan intended to address employment and training for Carcross/Tagish First Nation citizens and Carcross/Tagish First Nation firms. Many challenges were faced during planning, consultation and procurement stage