Motorists can expect another lane change on Whoop-Up Drive.
The City of Lethbridge says after a successful pour of concrete last week, the summer construction project is moving to the outside westbound lane of the bridge as crews replace the bridge’s expansion joints.
This means that starting in the afternoon on Tuesday, September 2, westbound drivers will use the middle lane to cross the river, instead of the far right lane, which will be closed off.
Motorists traveling westbound can still expect to zipper merge onto Whoop-Up Drive, and the peak hour lane changes implemented last month will remain in effect.
The City says those changes have resulted in improved traffic flow and fewer collisions.
READ MORE: ‘Peak hour’ lane changes come into effect on Whoop-Up Drive
Acting director of infrastructure, Jason Drenth, says the peak hour lane changes are anticipated to remain in effect until at least early October.
DAMAGED GIRDERS
Officials note that inspections have shown that the girder under the inside westbound lane is more damaged than initially thought. The damage occurred in early August, when a flatbed trailer carrying heavy equipment hit the underside of the bridge.
READ MORE: Experts reveal Whoop-Up Drive remains safe after Aug. 6 incident
Repair plans are moving forward, and additional engineering work will confirm the exact size of the impacted areas on the two most affected girders.
“We are devising a plan [and] going to make repairs as soon as we get that plan in place, and start to return the bridge to normal activity,” Drenth says.
He adds that the damage is one of the reasons the peak hour lane changes are staying in effect. “During this, safety is our top priority, so the bridge remains in good shape to be able to use for the way we’re using it right now.”
READ MORE: Next phase of Whoop-Up Drive project leads to speed limit reduction
A restriction on heavy load trucks, excluding standard pickups, continues for westbound traffic. Until further notice, all heavy load vehicles must use Highway 3.
READ MORE: City announces temporary restriction for heavy load trucks on westbound Whoop-Up
