Mountain View County's policies and priorities committee has been given an update on the James River Bridge, which is located on Rge. Rd. 53 on the boundary of Mountain View and Clearwater counties north of Sundre.
In a briefing note to the committee, administration said operational services had recently contacted Clearwater County administration requesting an update on the status of the bridge, which is actually located inside Clearwater County.
"Clearwater County completed some repairs on the bridge two years ago, which did not lift the weight restrictions, but did extend the life of the bridge for an additional two, possibly, three years," the note states.
"Clearwater County does not have any plans for the bridge until 2020 when they will begin looking at replacement options for the structure."
Preliminary 2016 estimates for a total replacement of the structure are around $6,500,000, which is about double Clearwater County's annual bridge budget, the committee heard.
"As is the case with other counties across Alberta, securing funding for these types of projects is a challenge, making it hard to predict the future of this crossing beyond 2020."
Deputy Reeve Angela Aalbers said Rge. Rd. 53 is a vital link for residents in the district.
"I asked for this update," said Aalbers. "This is an extremely important bridge to Division 5 residents.
"I have been asked by a number of residents on a number of occasions to look at the quality of that road. It is information that I thought was important for council to hear."
County officials may discuss the bridge with Clearwater County officials at an upcoming intermunicipal meeting.
"This is an extremely important bridge to Division 5 residents."
