SUNDRE – Motorists are advised to expect traffic delays while construction on the Highway 27 project over the Red Deer River bridge is underway.
Crews got started earlier this month on June 2 and officials say the work is expected to take until June 21, having begun with work on the bridge aprons with milling and paving to follow.
“Traffic will be restricted to one lane with alternating flow,” reads part of a statement posted on the town’s website.
Throughout that time, size restrictions will also apply for oversized vehicles.
Loads up to 3.8-metres wide and 1.1-metre high, to clear the bridge rail, may still be permitted with advance booking with PME. Visit sundre.com/p/hwy-27 for full restriction details and contact information.
“There’s still a lot of work ahead, and the site will remain very busy. Please plan for traffic delays, follow signage and flaggers, and drive with extra caution,” reads the statement.
Meanwhile, the project appears to be progressing on all fronts, with an update from May 30 stating that paving and line painting from the east end of the construction zone all the way to 50 metres before the bridge had been completed. Over on the west side, paving and line painting were also finished up to the creek.
Additionally, sidewalks, asphalt, and road base removals were completed on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Streets, including both sides in many areas, and crews have also made progress on concrete work at 2nd and 3rd Streets as the installation of pipe as well as a catch basin continued on the north side of 2nd Street.
The roundabouts are also coming along, with the first halves largely completed and motorists already navigating around them.
Sam Zhao, Sundre’s community peace officer, told the Albertan that the project is proceeding faster than expected.
“Construction is going well and ahead of schedule,” Zhao said.
For the most part, motorists have been adjusting well to the constantly-changing traffic accommodations, he said.
“(But) we are still consistently seeing people travelling the wrong direction on the detour route.”
Construction on the bridge is expected to wrap up before the Sundre Pro Rodeo weekend, which takes place June 19-22, he said.
“With it being June and entering tourist season, we are expecting to see major delays crossing the bridge,” he said, adding flaggers are in place during peak times throughout the day.
“Temporary traffic lights will be relied on after hours. Drivers should plan ahead for bridge traffic and expect delays.”
Zhao said the team is responsive to feedback and that questions can be sent to [email protected].
“We know the pace and disruptions can be frustrating, and we sincerely thank everyone for your continued patience and understanding as we push forward,” reads the town's statement.
