Good Bruce300 8 1 Mr : Regional B 4 C G Stikine ’ G Chair District of Avenuee 4545 Ikitimat Lazelle JUL V
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v 0< ~ G l 2 . 1 r *\ 1 JUL 1 0 2014 BRITISH COLUMBIA July 2, 2014 SHVO o?o O® File: 230-20 Mr. Bruce Bidgood Chair Regional District of Kitimat Stikine 300-4545 Lazelle Avenue Terrace, B.C., V8G 4E1 Dear Mr. Bidgood: Re: Status of Hazelton-Kitwanga Backroad I am writing in response to the Regional District’s request regarding the re-opening of the public road known as the Hazelton-Kitwanga Backroad”, a 36km long gravel road that formerly connected the Villages^ of Hazelton and Kitwanga along the north side of the Skeena River. As you know, the Hazelton-Kitwanga Backroad has been closed since 2007 due to the severe geotechnical slope instability of the area, particularly at the steep slide location known as the Visserman Slide site. Historically the Hazelton-Kitwanga Backroad had very low traffic volumes and was an alternate route in and out of the Hazelton community. Currently, the traffic volumes along Highway 16 between Hazelton and Kitwanga are at approximately 1,200 vehicles per day. The slope instability at the Visserman Slide site has been an ongoing issue for more than 20 years and ministry engineers have carried out significant investigations over the years. They have drilled soil investigation test holes, carried out laboratory soil testing, installed monitoring instrumentation and conducted geophysical studies and surveys to better understand the slide conditions and to determine if there were any reasonable short or long term solutions to reduce the instability and remediate the slide area. Ministry engineers have concluded that the Visserman Slide is very deep and wide and there are no clear viable options available to stabilize the area and repair the road. Prior to closing the road in 2007, various slide stabilization and road re-alignment options were evaluated. The ministry also attempted to implement drainage improvements and minor road re-alignments which were not successful in terms of long term stabilization of the area. Several road re-alignment options for the Hazelton-Kitwanga Backroad have been examined, including using portions of existing forestry roads. These options ranged in scope and feasibility with costs from $4 to $15 million. Many also would involve dealing with road grades of 10 to 15 per cent, thereby adding significant potential geotechnical risks, driver safety concerns, additional cost pressures and more long term maintenance issues. ...12 Ministry of Bulklcy Stikine District Mailing Address: Location: Transportation Bag 5000 3726 Alfred Ave and Infrastructure Smithers BC V0J 2N0 Smithers BC V0J 2N0 Telephone: 250 847-7403 www.gov.bc.ca/tran Fax: 250 847-7219 RDKS July 2, 2014 Page 2 One of these options was a 2.3km horseshoe-shaped road that went around the back of the slide area. While this route would be the shortest, it would require all new road construction and contains road grades of over 20 per cent. During the conceptual design phase, this route was deemed not feasible to construct due to additional significant geotechnical slope instabilities in that area. Ministry staff have also recently re-evaluated the establishment of any alternative re-alignment with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) to see if any new possibilities existing with respect to the network of forestry roads in the area. Unfortunately, it was concluded that no reasonable option exists. I am happy to advise that there is alternate access from Kitwanga to Hazelton available via the Mitten Main Forest Service Road (FSR). This FSR was upgraded by FLNRO two years ago with assistance from MOTI in response to Hazelton’s concerns for a viable secondary route. While this detour is 150km long, it does ensure access in and out of the communities in the event of an emergency or very significant closure of Highway 16. In closing, while I appreciate the Regional District’s interest in the re-opening of the Hazelton- Kitwanga Backroad, the ministry must balance priorities and investment funds across the region, including the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine. Over the past three years, the ministry has invested over $7 million in rehabilitation works to the Hagwilget Bridge to ensure that this important structure continues to provide safe and reliable access to the Village of Hazelton and the Kispiox area. If you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please contact me at 250-847-7403 or by email at [email protected]. Regards, Carl B. Lutz District Manager, Transportation.