Red Bridge (3rd edition)

High and narrow, it
spans the South Thompson between
city and reserve.

~ carliewired

This wooden trestle bridge is a heritage piece. The first edition was completed in 1887 to connect the Kamloops Indian Band to the little town of Kamloops. It was built high with a swing span to accomodate paddle wheelers which transported people and freight along the river. Its official name was "Government Bridge" but, locally, has always been known as the Red Bridge due to the colour of its Douglas fir beams. 

In 1912, the provincial government constructed a new bridge with higher clearance for larger paddle wheelers. The third Red Bridge was built in 1936. All three bridges have used Howe trusses, frequently used for railway and vehicle bridges. There are only a few wooden trestle bridges left in British Columbia. 

There have been two major reconstructions of the Red Bridge, in 1970 and in 2004. Over its lifetime, the Red Bridge has survived fire, floods and political wranglings. It remains a distinct feature of our city's landscape and a reminder of our past.