Watino bridge officially opens to traffic on Jan. 21
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
After long-awaited anticipation the Watino Bridge is officially opened to traffic.
The construction of the new bridge began in 2007, with $42.8 million budgeted for the bridge replacement.
The official grand opening of the bridge, located on Highway 49 south of Peace River, was held on Jan. 21.
“This is a significant investment in our local highway infrastructure and great news for local communities,” says Dunvegan–Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau. “The new design of the Watino Bridge will increase access for residents and industry to move agricultural equipment and oversized loads.”
The remaining construction work on the project is scheduled to be completed by September. This is set to include the final layer of paving, removal of the old bridge, and minor grading work to ditches and local accesses. Speed reductions will remain in place until the paving work is complete and the transitions between the bridge and highway surface have been upgraded.
The multi-million dollar infrastructure improvement project was awarded by the province to Kiewit Management Co. based in Edmonton and began on Aug. 8 of 2007 with a targeted completion date anticipated for Oct. 15, 2009.
A total of four concrete piers measuring 18 metres wide at the base by 13 metres high were used to form a trapezoid shape to support the bridge decking. The piers are mobilized using steel pilings that are driven into the bedrock below the river.
The new bridge is constructed of steel girders with a ‘cast in place’ concrete deck and asphalt driving surface and represents a marked improvement for motorists using the highway to access communities to the northwest.
“We know that having a well-designed transportation system is fundamental to supporting Alberta’s economy,” Minister of Transportation Luke Ouellette says. “This project is an excellent example of the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in local infrastructure to meet Alberta’s growing economy.”
Kiewit began construction of the bridge in July 2007, and the process has progressed more rapidly that AIT’s (Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation) contract completion date. The current phase of diverting traffic was scheduled to be completed by Aug. of last year, however; several factors contributed to the delays.
The bridge itself is higher than the old structure, closely mirroring similar bridge decking structures located at the Smoky River east of Bezanson and the Little Smoky River south of Guy. It also results in a new alignment with the highway from both the south and north.
“Once traffic has been diverted, the demolition process of the old existing bridge begins,” said Kiewit Business Manager Paula Nyitrai last month. “A subcontractor is slated to begin work in Jan. 2010.”
“The arrival of spring will bring crews in to compete roadworks, slopes, and tie-ins to old existing roads. As well as elimination of current existing roadworks.”
Kiewit has attempted to buy as many supplies from local vendors as possible to complete the project.
“We have enjoyed being involved in the local communities and have appreciated the camaraderie and patience of all the residents in the region,” says Nyitrai.
Any concerns or questions about the bridge can be directed to Project Manager David Lalonde at 780-359-2836.
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