Bridge rehabilitation work begins Tuesday on Whoop-Up Drive, which is expected to last until Labour Day weekend. Work will be done on the westbound portion of the bridge.
“This project is essential to extend the lifespan, reliability and safety of Whoop-Up Drive for our residents,” says Richard Brummond, City of Lethbridge Road Infrastructure manager. “We know any lane reductions on Whoop-Up Drive can be disruptive, but this work is being planned for July and August, as it offers us the best possible timing with school being out and for weather stability.”
During this project, two lanes will remain open for westbound traffic and speeds will be lowered to 60 kilometres an hour in each work area.
“This year’s program is a single lane closure. There will always be two lanes,” says Brummond. “We promote the zipper merge. Whenever there’s congestion, it’s good to use the zipper merge because it’s proved to move more traffic.”
According to the City, bridge rehabilitation is required to protect the bridge and provide safe conditions for drivers. The cost estimate for this project is $1.9 million, which was included and approved in the City’s 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program.
“We have an annual bridge inspection program and this identifies the need for repairs everywhere in the city. Whoop-Up is very important and a lot of traffic, so we keep on top of that one and whenever it needs to be done, we organize it, get ready and go in and repair it,” notes Brummond.
Brummond says the City’s transportation team is also in frequent contact with the Alberta government about any expected Highway 3 overlay work during the summer months, “to ensure we coordinate any reductions on our river crossings.”
Guardrail work is also being planned for westbound and eastbound Whoop-Up Drive lanes later in July.