Bridge replacement build underway

DIDSBURY - Crews have been busy working on the Rosebud River bridge replacement on Highway 582 leading into Didsbury.

The new bridge should be open to traffic in late August, barring any unforeseen circumstances, according to Alberta Transportation.

"Since construction started on May 31 much work has been done on the project with traffic signage, detour maintenance, environment protection work and demolition of the old bridge," said Donald Saunders, bridge manager, Alberta Transportation, in the release. "Despite minor delays due to weather the contractor's progress is on schedule."

The bridge project is a partnership between Alberta Transportation, the Town of Didsbury and Greenfield Construction Ltd.

Saunders said that people can expect to hear pile driving activities over the next few days followed by concrete trucks delivering concrete to the site for various parts of the new bridge.

"Girders will be delivered to the site and placed on the piling supports and a new concrete deck will be placed on top of the girders," he said.

During construction, travellers will still be able to use Highway 582 via the on-site two-lane detour located at the crossing, said Saunders.

"Please be advised that the posted speed limit on the detour is 30 km/h. Travellers should obey all signs and watch for construction crews and equipment when driving through the site."

The bridge was found to be unsafe in October of 2017 and was closed to traffic due to "structural deficiencies."