Bridge experts have engaged with the City of Lethbridge and have advised the City Whoop-Up Drive remains safe.
“This advice comes in response to damage sustained to four of the six steel bridge girders during an incident involving a flatbed trailer carrying heavy equipment that struck the underside of the Whoop-Up Drive bridge Aug. 6,” the City notes. “Support pillars remain in place under the bridge, while engineers and crews continue to assess the damage and determine next steps.”
According to Lethbridge Police, the driver has been charged under the Traffic Safety Act.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the City understands this is a frustrating time for motorists, especially those who live and commute to and from the westside on a daily basis. “As our experts continue to analyze, monitor and plan next steps, Lethbridge City Council wants to thank residents for their continued patience, as we address these matters.”
Currently, heavy load trucks remain temporarily restricted from crossing westbound on Whoop-Up Drive, and must use Highway 3 until further notice.
Starting at noon Wednesday, the Scenic Drive northbound to Whoop-Up westbound ramp will be closed.
This is being done to:
- Reduce traffic volume that would help the current maintenance work, as well as lessening impacts to the structural concerns with the damaged girders.
- Help Lethbridge Transit, which is still safe to use on Whoop-Up Drive, address the current delays experienced on routes using Whoop-Up Drive.
Director of Infrastructure Services Joel Sanchez adds the City is running inspections twice a day to monitor damages and assess next steps, while in constant communication with experts. “Bridges are complex pieces of infrastructure and we have already been working with some of the top bridge experts in the country.”
“We do not yet have a timeline or potential repair costs related to this incident,” says Sanchez. “We currently have crews and contractors working on unrelated, pre-scheduled bridge maintenance. The recent incident is not impacting timelines for this project.”
