Motorists are being advised of a lengthy project on Whoop-Up Drive.
Bridge rehabilitation work will start the week of July 21, 2025 and last through the end of September. The work is needed to protect the infrastructure and ensure the safety of users.
“The expansion joints are something like 40-years-old and they are leaking,” says Richard Brummond, road infrastructure manager for the City of Lethbridge.
“What that means is the salts and erosion go through the joints and then start deteriorating the structure below.”
Brummond explains the metal plates you see on the Whoop-Up Drive bridge allow for concrete expansion and changes caused by extreme heat in the summer, and colder conditions during the winter months.
This latest initiative is part of ongoing Whoop-Up bridge work that started last year.
DELAYS EXPECTED
Traffic delays are anticipated as lane closures and detours are put in place for the project.
The first five weeks will include the following closures:
- Northbound Scenic Drive to the Whoop-Up Drive exit will be closed, with drivers detoured to Highway 3 to access west Lethbridge;
- The exit to northbound University Drive from westbound Whoop-Up will only be accessible to the outside westbound lane.
Officials note for the first time, the median crossover diverters will be used, allowing for two lanes of traffic to be maintained in both directions.
Speed limits will be lowered to 30, 50 or 60 km/h in the construction zones, with signage in place notifying motorists of limits. Signage, including digital signs, will be in place to advise of the changes and help direct traffic around the lane closures.
READ MORE: Update provided on Whoop-Up Drive bridge rehabilitation project
The City says it anticipates opening two westbound lanes and all three eastbound lanes before students begin fall classes at the University of Lethbridge.
COORDINATION
For the past few months, the Alberta Government has been undertaking improvement work on Highway 3 in Lethbridge.
Brummond says planning was done alongside the government.
“About a year ago, when we were talking about both projects, that’s when we started [talking] to the province and making sure they weren’t closing lanes when we were closing lanes,” he states. “That’s the biggest coordination that we [must] continue to communicate to make sure we know what each other is doing.”
One of the coordinated plans was to ensure construction was finished on the Highway 3 river crossing before the work on Whoop-Up Drive began.
The City says scheduled milling and paving will be completed on University Drive before the bridge work starts, with line painting scheduled for non-peak hours.
The remaining milling and paving program has been shifted for roadways adjacent to Whoop-Up or detour routes.
A second turning lane has been added to Bridge Drive and University Drive West to help with increased traffic along that route.
Officials add the bulk of the project was planned for the summer months when schools are out, traffic is lighter, and weather is more favourable.
PLANNING AHEAD
The City suggests drivers add extra time to their commute to account for delays and use alternate routes during peak hours when they can.
Motorists are also asked to watch their speed and follow all posted signage during the construction project.
Commuters can also check out the live Whoop-Up Drive and Highway 3 traffic cameras to plan their route and follow the project’s progress on the City WebMap.
READ MORE: Traffic monitoring cameras installed on Whoop-Up Drive
READ MORE: New traffic camera shares real-time coverage on part of Highway 3
