Bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive
Starting Tuesday, July 2, and estimated to last until Labour Day weekend in September, weather permitting, bridge rehabilitation work will take place on the westbound portion of the Whoop-Up Drive bridge.
During this project
- Two lanes will remain open for westbound traffic. Signage and controls will be in place to direct traffic around the single lane closures.
- Speeds will be lowered to 60 km/h in each work area.
- The aim is to complete the necessary work while traffic volumes are lower in July and August, weather permitting.
- The project is available on the City’s WebMap for further information and updates.
- Digital signage on Whoop-Up Drive will be in place to alert commuters to the project start date and other traffic control changes over the summer.
Work being done
- Complete concrete deck surface repairs (90 percent of the project)
- This work will begin on the inside/south lane, then move to the center lane, before ending on the outside/north lane
- Additional reminder PSAs will be issued as the project continues and work changes lanes.
- Complete west approach slab repair
- Apply sealer to barriers, deck, and roof slab.
- This portion will involve some night work.
“This project is essential to extend the lifespan, reliability and safety of Whoop-Up Drive for our residents,” says Richard Brummond. 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.”
Purpose of the project
- Bridge rehabilitation is required to protect the bridge and provide safe conditions to Lethbridge residents.
- Done in cycles, the City of Lethbridge analyzes the condition of our bridges and identifies work that will preserve the structures. Rehabilitation work performed at the right time reduces the potential for larger repairs, replacements, or structural failures.
- The project is included and approved in the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program as project C-9
- The cost estimate is $1.9 million.
How you can help
- Add extra time to your commute to help reduce frustration due to delays.
- Be courteous to other drivers. Reduce wait times by taking turns entering the lane reduction area. Learn how to zipper merge.
- Reduce speed for your safety, and the safety of community members who are working onsite.
- Follow all posted signage and traffic controls.
Accessible river crossings during construction
- Our Transportation team is in frequent contact with the Province on their Highway 3 overlay work this summer to ensure we coordinate any reductions on our river crossings.
- Last year, the City Manager approved and activated a revised Whoop-Up Drive Emergency Traffic Protocol.
- The full Whoop-Up Drive Emergency Traffic Protocol can be viewed here.
Stay up to date on road work, detours and closures
- Residents are encouraged to check the WebMap for up-to-date information on road closures, facility closures and city projects and initiatives.
- The community can also stay informed and engaged with all City of news by subscribing to receive News Releases, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and Our Stories directly to their inboxes.
Additional planned work on Whoop-Up Drive
- Guardrail work is also being planned for westbound and eastbound Whoop-Up Drive lanes later in July.
- Continued bridge rehabilitation work is planned for Whoop-Up Drive next summer. One and two-lane closures will be required, and traffic flow will be impacted.
- More information and further reminders will be issued in the coming weeks.
For Public Inquiries:
Call or Chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact Us
City Hall
910 4 Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P6
Phone: 311
or 403-320-3111 (if outside of Lethbridge)