Some issues divide communities. Some issues bond them.

It doesn’t seem to matter what side of the societal fence one stands, there is firm opposition in the Elk Valley to Dicken Road being used as a detour when Highway 3 east of Fernie is closed in 2027 for the Hartley Creek Bridge project.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and City of Fernie have formally opposed routing heavy Highway 3 traffic through the rural residential area, asking instead for a temporary in-corridor highway bypass.

However, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) says analysis indicates the road can handle the volume of traffic expected during bridge construction.

In a May 25 update, Bridge Project Manager (Consultant) Joel Desaulniers stated: “The Ministry of Transportation and Transit recognizes that this project is not just about infrastructure; it is about people, families, and the day-to-day safety of those who live, work, and travel in the Highway 3 corridor. We understand that changes to these routes can create uncertainty, especially where residential neighbourhoods, active transportation, and highway through-traffic intersect.

“The Highway 3 Hartley Creek project team has heard directly from local residents, the City of Fernie, and regional partners about the importance of maintaining safe, reliable travel.

“Safety remains the ministry’s top priority and is the foundation of all planning, design, and construction decisions.”

Desaulniers outlined, “As with any major construction project, some disruption and delays are anticipated, and we appreciate the patience of all interested parties as planning progresses. The ministry has updated the Highway 3 Hartley Creek bridge construction schedule, with tendering now anticipated for summer 2026, detour preparation works planned for fall 2026, and main bridge construction targeted to begin in spring 2027.

“This revised timeline reflects project-related scheduling considerations and allows both the ministry and the successful contractor to make full use of the 2027 construction season. It also provides additional time to advance detailed planning, coordination, and approvals related to traffic management, environmental protection, and construction safety.

“In parallel, the adjusted schedule creates an opportunity for the ministry to continue engaging with the local community, provide updates, and refine elements such as the Dicken Road detouring plan in collaboration with impacted parties.

“Based on detailed traffic analysis and engineering review, Dicken Road was identified as the only available local route capable of safely accommodating all Highway 3 traffic, including passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and emergency services,” Desaulniers said.

“While cost considerations are an important component of the decision-making process, they are not the sole determining factor. The cost savings associated with using Dicken Road as a detour provide an opportunity to reinvest in improvements to Dicken Road, thereby enhancing overall network performance and supporting local accessibility.”

The response was not what local residents wanted to hear, prompting the Dicken Road Safety Committee to begin circulating a petition, asking MOTT Minister Mike Farnworth to use Dicken Road only as an emergency route and build a by-pass along the highway.

The ministry’s decision “directly ignores the unanimous opposition of Fernie City Council, RDEK, and local residents. Fernie residents can act right now to demand that MOTT simply build a bypass on Highway 3 to keep all traffic congestion and risk isolated on a straight section of Hwy. 3 and leave Dicken Road as an alternative exit route for emergency purposes only,” the petition states.

“Fernie is a special place, but our local issues are being ignored by our own provincial ministries. When we speak together, the government listens. Your action today can help.”

Learn more and see the petition here.

Lead image: The Hartley Creek Bridge project is located on Highway 3, approximately six km east of downtown Fernie. It will replace a culvert with a bridge structure to provide a more reliable, resilient, and safe highway crossing. MOTT photo

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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