Joint news release with Teslin Tlingit Council
The Government of Yukon and the Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC) have signed a project charter for the Nisutlin Bay Bridge, a critical link along the Alaska Highway and a landmark for TTC citizens and residents of the Village of Teslin.
Through the agreement the two governments will work together as partners to construct a safer, more reliable, more sustainable structure that can accommodate increases in traffic while also improving access for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition to providing an improved link across Nisutlin Bay, a key gateway to the Yukon, the project charter aims to minimize disruptions for the community during construction and maximize economic benefits for local residents.
Together, the Government of Yukon and Teslin Tlingit Council will embark on the procurement planning for the project, followed by the development of an implementation plan that will include the details of the procurement strategy and specify the approach that will be used to deliver the project. The tender for the project is scheduled to go out in 2020 with construction anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023. Funding for the project will come in part from the Small Communities Fund portion of the federal government’s New Building Canada Fund.
This agreement is a testament to working together in the spirit of reconciliation. Our partnership with the Teslin Tlingit Council will create jobs and economic benefits for the Village of Teslin while ensuring a safe bridge for all. The Government of Yukon is committed to collaborating with First Nations to build healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn
The project will present economic opportunities for our community, our Citizens and the Village of Teslin residents. The charter ensures that we have an equal voice in the development of the project and that the interest of our Citizens and our community are well represented.
Teslin Tlingit Council Naa Shaáde Háni Richard Sidney
While the Village of Teslin is not a signatory on the agreement, the municipality is included in the agreement as an important stakeholder in the process and key community partner for Teslin Tlingit Council.
The Yukon government met with the Teslin Tlingit Council and Village of Teslin’s Joint Council in November 2018 to discuss cost-benefit analysis options for replacing or rehabilitating the bridge.
The Nisutlin Bay Bridge redevelopment project is identified in the Government of Yukon’s Five-Year Capital Plan included in the 2019-20 Budget.
The Nisutlin Bay Bridge was built in 1953 by the Department of National Defence.
The current structure is 584 meters long with seven 76-meter through-truss spans and two 21-meter approach spans.
Lisa Bucher
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
lisa.bucher@gov.yk.ca
Jade McGinty
Communications, Teslin Tlingit Council
867-390-2532 ext. 306
Jade.McGinty@ttc-teslin.com
Meredith McDonald
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-667-3146
meredith.mcdonald@gov.yk.ca