WHITEHORSE, Yukon The new replacement for the Donjek River Bridge was opened on Oct. 5, improving travel between the Yukon and Alaska.

The two-year Donjek River Bridge replacement project is one of several initiatives funded under the Shakwak Agreement between the US and Canada. The nearly $35 million project underwent construction beginning in February 2006.

“The on-schedule completion of this project marks the success of our partnership with our American neighbours, Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang said. It also reinforces our commitment to the safety of a major Yukon tourist and commercial highway route.”

The new bridge consists of eight spans and is 270 meters long with extensive river embankments and causeway construction. A major part of the work was to ensure the new bridge met seismic requirements of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. The design life of this bridge is 75 years.

“This project provided employment for many Yukoners and resulted in a new piece of infrastructure compliant with current safety standards,” Lang added.

Removal of the old bridge will be tendered over the winter of this year. Further Shakwak initiatives underway include design and construction of the bridges for both the Duke and Slims Rivers.