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Bridge on "life support" deemed govt's top priority
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
Of the three bridge priorities in the M.D. of Big Lakes, it appears the South Heart River Bridge has risen to first.
M.D. of Big Lakes Public Works Supt. Len Racher presented a written and verbal report at council’s meeting Feb. 10, after meeting with the Alberta government Jan. 19.
“They want to do it this year,” says Racher referring to South Heart River.
That leaves the Mission Creek Bridge at Joussard as a lesser priority despite the fact the fire chief refuses to cross the bridge with a truck.
“It’s still on the radar,” says Racher.
But Heart River remains tops on the list because of its heavy traffic load and poor shape.
“It’s the priority,” says Racher. “Heart River will get done. It’s in bad shape. It’s on life support like you wouldn’t believe.”
To complete the job, road grading is required to reduce the slope of the hill on the south side to accommodate the dirt work at the bridge’s approaches.
“The bridge will be lifted,” says Racher.
As a result, the M.D. will have to put in a bailey bridge – a temporary bridge designed for rapid construction - to accommodate traffic during construction.
When completed, the Mission Creek Bridge will be lifted to accommodate marina expansion. The approaches will be designed to accommodate RV units and trailers.
The third bridge is a tributary on the East Prairie River just northeast of High Prairie which will be replaced by a culvert. However, because it’s empties into the East Prairie River a proposal for fish compensation has been forwarded to the Department of Fisheries for consideration.
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