Arrowwood bridge repair

Times Contributor  

 

Council received a request that the Arrowwood Bridge was in need of repair after the flooding of this year. Traffic is being detoured over a long route to reach areas on the opposite side of the river. There were concerns that the businesses in Arrowwood were suffering as the detour decreased traffic into the hamlet. It is a major route used to get to Vulcan and areas beyond. The school bus from Siksika will also have to take the longer route to get students to school in Arrowwood.

“There had been testing done to renew the bridge and there were suggestions that they were considering a bridge replacement at some point,” said Ken Suave.

Transportation and Infrastructure Manager Dave Churchill said there had been no commitment on the bridge by Alberta Transportation. He was concerned that funding decisions were being prioritized and this project may be overlooked. He suggested that council talk with the Transportation Minister to get an update and raise any other issues.

One possible scenario for the bridge is to be reduced to one lane, with repairs ongoing, which would put it operational in about six months. However, to restore the bridge to two-way traffic could take up to two years. Churchill said he did not think Alberta Transportation would utilize both options.

“The bridge was on the project list a few years ago. Designs were done in the past, but they may not be relevant now because the flooding would have an effect and set the process back,” said Churchill.

Council agreed that someone would talk to the Transportation Minister at the fall convention and get an update on the bridge repair and roads that have been inquired about in the past.