Rainy conditions in the region over the past several weeks have created some minor delays at the Big Prairie Bridge construction site on Mountain View County's south side, say officials.
Ryan Morrison, MVC manager of infrastructure projects, said in spite of the delays, the expectation is that the bridge will be completed by the month's end.
“Despite the weather and rain we are still thinking it will be completed by the end of June,” said Morrison. “Because of the rain they have to cover things when they pour, and they can't backfill because there has to be optimum moisture.”
Between four and 14 people are typically working at the site every day, he said.
The work still to be done on the project includes more concrete pouring, paving, backfilling and guardrail erection, he said.
The $2.8-million bridge project is being financed on a 50-50 basis by the province and Mountain View County. The bridge will replace the original bridge that was destroyed in a still-unsolved arson fire in 2009.
Work on the bridge was originally scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2012 but was delayed due to scheduling issues.
Work resumed on the project on April 29. Trevcon Enterprises Ltd. of Calgary is the main contractor on the project.
Because the company failed to complete the project in 2012, the company is now being fined $800 a day by Mountain View County, starting at the beginning of May.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on the Acme Road project southeast of Cremona.
“The project is underway and they are being slowed up a bit by the rain too. They are on schedule,” he said.
The two-year project covers the 11.2 kilometre stretch of roadway from Highway 22 to Spreters Hill, located between Rge. Rd. 30 and 31, with construction including base work and chip seal.
Olds-based Richardson Brothers Ltd. is the main contractor on the job.
This year's construction will see the roadway upgraded and prepared for chip seal paving next spring.
