Construction season is here, and this year, we'll see new projects starting and existing projects ramping up, impacting major routes. There will be delays and longer commute times as a result. Signage and detours will be in place. Please plan your routes accordingly and allow extra time to reach your destination.
We recognize this is inconvenient, but these projects need to be completed during the construction season when contractors are available. We'll be working with the contractors to minimize the inconvenience wherever possible.
Updates will be provided on the City of Quesnel Facebook page and this page as projects progress.
Construction Projects
UPDATE: June 2, 2026
Johnston Bridge will close at 8 am on June 3, 2026 as part of the Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The bridge will be fully closed in both directions to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic and will remain closed until the project completion in winter 2026/2027. The pedestrian trail at the north end of Johnston Bridge will also be closed with no through access, so please plan an alternate route.
Johnston Avenue will remain open, with periodic short duration closures and single lane alternating traffic required to support project activities. Signage will be in place throughout the project.
Please see the detour map below.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation while this work is completed. For questions or concerns, please contact the Public Works office at 250-992-6330.
UPDATE: June 1, 2026
As part of the Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Project, the Riverfront Trail at the north end of Johnston Bridge will be closed starting at 2:00 pm today (June 1) and will remain closed until the project completion in winter 2026/2027.
No through pedestrian traffic will be permitted on the trail during the closure. Please refer to the attached map for an alternate route.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Ruskin Construction Superintendent at 250-893-7999.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
UPDATE: May 8, 2026
Starting May 14, the contractor is scheduled to begin hauling scaffolding into the old Public Works yard beside the bridge. The site will be used as the project staging area for the duration of construction.
We don’t have an official bridge closure date from the contractor yet, but right now it’s estimated that Johnston Bridge will close within two weeks of May 14 and stay closed for the rest of 2026 while rehabilitation work is underway. Construction is expected to continue into winter 2026.
We know many people are wondering when the closure will begin. We'll share the date as soon as it’s confirmed. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
UPDATE: January 29, 2026
The bid process for the Johnston Bridge Rehabilitation Project is officially open, with construction expected to begin in May 2026 and continue into winter 2026.
Once work begins, the Johnston Bridge will be fully closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. In addition, a section of the Riverfront Trail, located beneath the bridge along the Quesnel River, will be closed for the duration of the project.
We will provide more detailed information after the contract is awarded and a construction schedule is finalized.
What to expect:
- Full closure of the Johnston Bridge to vehicles and pedestrians
- Closure of a section of the Riverfront Trail beneath the bridge
- Clearly marked detours and on-site signage
- Regular project updates on our website and Facebook page
Thank you for your patience as this important rehabilitation work moves forward. Stay tuned for updates.
UPDATE: May 13, 2026
Construction on Callanan St is set to begin Tuesday, May 19 as part of the Road, Sidewalk and Storm Drain Project. Work will take place on the 400 block between St. Laurent and Shepherd Ave and is expected to take up to three months to complete.
Callanan St will be closed to all traffic Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm during construction hours. St. Laurent and Shepherd will also be closed at the intersection of Callanan during these times. Traffic detours will be in effect, and motorists are asked to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time.
Local access for residents and businesses may be impacted during work hours. Residents are encouraged to use back-alley access for alternate parking where possible.
Garbage collection will continue on its regular schedule, with pickup taking place in the back alley for the following addresses 490, 473, 467, 451, 443, 437, 425, 424, 436, 444, 454, 462A, 462B and 478.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this project.
FAQs
2024 was the first phase, which included the installation of approximately 90 m of water main and sanitary main, a new fire hydrant, and road restoration.
In 2025, Telus removed telecommunications infrastructure, and the City established a new timeline for Phase II, the rehabilitation of the bridge structure.
This year, Phase II construction will begin, aiming to be complete in the winter of 2026.