The Yukon Party says it’s concerned about last week’s announcement regarding improvements to the Takhini River Bridge on the Mayo Road.

Last Wednesday’s news conference about the impending work included Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn, Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Sean Smith, MP Brendan Hanley and Mayor Laura Cabott.

The Yukon government will invest more than $2 million to design and build an active transportation route on the bridge. The goal is to make it safer for cyclists, runners and other active transportation users.

Three kilometres of shoulder lanes will be painted on the approaches to the bridge to accommodate users and expand the network of accessible options for travellers. The total funding for the project is $8.5 million.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

But the official Opposition says the announcement seems to have missed dealing with the public’s top concern: traffic safety.

“The number-one issue people raise about the Takhini River Bridge is how dangerous this narrow bridge is for vehicle traffic,” Brad Cathers, the Yukon Party MLA for Lake Laberge, said Friday afternoon.

“I have repeatedly raised the public’s concerns about the Takhini River Bridge with this Liberal government since early in their first term, so they are aware people want a wider bridge, and improvements to the approach on the north side,” Cathers said.

“While some would like to see a walkway added for pedestrians, cyclists, and other users, the main issue that needs to be addressed is widening the road surface for vehicles to improve safety.”

There have been several violent collisions on the bridge or on the curving hill leading to its north end over the years, leading to grave injuries in some cases.

Many years ago, a southbound vehicle plunged off the hill over the embankment, prompting the government to install a cement guardrail on the embankment side of the highway.

The YP said in a statement, “Following years of lobbying efforts by the MLA for Lake Laberge on behalf of his constituents for bridge improvements, the Liberal government has announced a project that seems focused on accommodating cyclists and kick-sled users, with no indication of whether it will do anything to address the top public priority of widening the road on the bridge.

“In addition to accidents on the bridge, people frequently report close calls and dangerous situations involving vehicles meeting on this narrow bridge.”

Last June, in reply to one of Cathers’ letters about the bridge, Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke “indicated funding had been set aside for this project,” added Cathers.

“Right after that, I asked him several questions, including if the bridge would be widened to increase the road width for motor vehicles.

“Disappointingly, the minister’s response did not answer that question – or several others. Half a year later, the minister and the Liberal government have yet to provide real answers,” Cathers said.

The Yukon Party is urging the government “to do meaningful public consultation on the Takhini River Bridge project and to modify the design to ensure it reflects the needs and priorities of Yukoners who use this bridge.”

Last Wednesday’s news conference included announcements of active transportation improvements for McIntyre Drive in Whitehorse, and in Watson Lake.