Statement from Minister Benoit on the Nisutlin Bay Bridge replacement project

Minister of Highways and Public Works Linda Benoit has issued the following statement:  

“The Government of Yukon is engaging a new engineer to oversee the Nisutlin Bay Bridge project to ensure the bridge is completed safely, efficiently and in the best interest of taxpayers.

"Concerns were raised in summer 2025 about soil conditions near the north and south abutments of the new bridge, resulting in the need for remediation work at both locations. Since then, the government has consulted with various experts to develop a permanent remediation solution. 

“This project has been underway since 2019, when the previous government allocated roughly $25 million for a replacement bridge. Since then, the total estimated cost of the project has increased to $193.97 million. The additional remediation work is expected to add significantly to the cost of completing the bridge.

“A new engineer will be engaged to provide expertise and oversee the remaining work on the project, including soil remediation work. The path forward will involve additional design and construction work. We are working collaboratively with the contractor and stakeholders to determine the best path forward to ensure construction proceeds safely and effectively.

“Regardless of why the project is in this state, our team is committed to completing it. Once the design is finalized, construction will resume and a clear timeline for the bridge opening will be established. 

“In the meantime, the existing Nisutlin Bay Bridge remains safe and fully operational. Scheduled annual maintenance and additional remediation work were completed this past fall, and the bridge will be regularly monitored and professionally assessed until the new bridge opens. 

“I recognize there have been challenges in delivering this project, including increased costs and schedule pressures. In the context of the territory’s broader fiscal constraints, we are focused on strong oversight, clear decision making and completing the project responsibly. 

“I am committed to keeping Yukoners informed as this project progresses and to providing a dependable crossing that will serve the territory for generations to come.”