Inflation is taking a bite out of everything – including the cost of the Nisutlin Bay Bridge project in Teslin.

It’s unclear whether the project will go ahead this year as scheduled after the bids came in over-budget, the legislature heard during question period Tuesday.

Yukon Party MLA Stacey Hassard asked about the status of the project after the bids closed in early February – and nothing had been publicly heard since.

“At that time, there were two prospective companies shortlisted to submit prices,” Hassard noted.

“Since that time, there has been no public communication about the project. There has been considerable speculation that this project is substantially over-budget.

“Can the minister confirm that the Nisutlin Bay bridge replacement is over-budget?”

Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke said, “As we know, the Nisutlin Bay bridge is a critical link along the Alaska Highway and an important landmark for Teslin.

“In the spring of 2019, the Yukon government and the Teslin Tlingit Council signed a historic project charter to replace the Nisutlin Bay bridge.

“Through that agreement, we have been working together to plan for a reliable structure — one that supports active transportation by including shoulders and a walkway so that pedestrians and cyclists can safely use the bridge, LED lighting along the walkway, and a trail that will provide safe, all-season access underneath the bridge,” Clarke added.

“Through the procurement process for the Nisutlin Bay bridge, we have been working closely with the Teslin Tlingit Council.”

The project was estimated to cost more than $25 million two years ago. A current figure wasn’t specified in Tuesday’s discussion.

Clarke said, “We are currently in the process of evaluating both of the submitted proposals. I can advise that prices have come in higher than anticipated due to current global circumstances and the high premium on steel and other materials.

“The higher prices are linked to a lot of factors related to the flooding events in B.C.’s Fraser Valley region, which, of course, have led to many opportunities and demands for the repair of railway trestles, the Coquihalla, and others.

“(U.S.) President (Joe) Biden’s administration’s massive infrastructure project bill has certainly had inflationary pressures as well,” the minister said.

“Of course, awarding this contract is a high priority for us. However, we must also do our due diligence to evaluate whether we are making the right decision on behalf of Yukon taxpayers before we proceed with this award.”