The 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge project in Courtenay has reached a major milestone, with construction now more than halfway complete and running ahead of schedule.

City officials say crews have finished over 50-percent of the major construction work.

That includes the installation of two structural towers and multiple bridge panels that now span the Courtenay River.

The components were built off-site and lifted into place by crane, helping speed up the process while maintaining safety.

The City says the bridge is a key piece of infrastructure aimed at improving accessibility and expanding active transportation options across the community.

Mayor Bob Wells says the project represents a commitment to safer, more accessible travel for all commuters, and adds the City is pleased with the progress so far as work moves toward completion.

While the checklist of construction tasks is now at the halfway mark, the overall project timeline is already past the midpoint and still ahead of schedule.

Work will continue in the coming months on railings, ramps, connecting trails, and the bridge surface.

Crews will also focus on improvements to nearby park areas and the addition of dedicated cycling lanes leading to the bridge from 6th Street.

The project is supported through funding from several sources, including the Active Transportation Fund, the Growing Communities Fund, and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

Once complete, the structure will be a four-metre-wide cable-stayed bridge designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and other active modes of travel.

Planning for the bridge dates back to 2020, with roots going even further to a community-driven concept first introduced in 2005.

Construction is expected to wrap up by the fall.

Follow along for updates at City of Courtenay.