FORT NELSON, B.C. — A new bridge has been built, spanning the Fort Nelson River and improving access to Northern B.C.’s oilfields.

"The new bridge demonstrates the governments’ commitment to enhancing infrastructure in the North and building year round access to the British Columbia oil and gas fields," said B.C. Energy and Mines Minister, Richard Neufeld. "The completion of this resource road will facilitate summer drilling and generate more year round family supporting jobs for the North."

The new bridge allows two-lane traffic between Fort Nelson and the oilfields. The Sierra Yoyo Desan Resource Road is a 173-kilometre resource road providing primary access to more than 27,000 square kilometres of oil and gas territory in the province’s northeast. Further upgrades to the road should be completed by the end of November, 2005, the province reports.

"The construction of the bypass road bridge is a shining example of how the private sector and government can partner to produce new opportunities for oil and gas companies, create employment, and generate revenues to support health and education for British Columbians," said Neufeld. "This project is a good example of the work the government is doing to make British Columbia the most competitive oil and gas development jurisdiction in North America."

One of the major players in having the bridge built was EnCana Corporation.

"EnCana, one of the primary road users, has supported the need for a new bridge crossing to provide safety, security of access to resources, all-season drilling opportunities and travel efficiency," said Foothills and Frontier EnCana Corporation president Mike Graham. "We are pleased with the new bridge and the opportunities it will provide to the people of B.C."

Ron Ramsay, chairman of the SYD Road User Group added: "The new bridge and the SYD Resource Road upgrade goes a long way in meeting industry’s needs for efficient and safe transport of goods and services in northeast B.C. This high grade, all season road will make Fort Nelson more competitive as a multi-use staging, servicing and supply area for the northeast."