A multi-year infrastructure project will see the single-lane bridge at McKenzie Crossing on Highway 590 replaced with a modern two-way bridge over the Red Deer River.
Details presented in Elnora on August 5 by engineering firm COWI North America and Alberta Transportation outlined plans to replace the two-span bridge west of Big Valley with a new three-span structure.
The new bridge will be constructed slightly north of the current bridge, allowing traffic to remain open across the Red Deer River during the construction phase.
The new structure will also have no height restrictions as the current bridge restricts oversized loads with a 4.6-metre height ceiling.
In addition to eliminating the height restriction, the project will flatten the river valley approaches, reducing current grades as steep as 9.9 percent down to 7 percent.
A new passing lane will also be constructed on the east approach to complement the existing passing lane on the west side.
Design work is underway through 2026, with the project scheduled to go to tender in the spring of 2027.
If funded on schedule, construction of the new bridge would run from summer 2027 through fall 2030, with demolition of the existing structure set for summer 2030.
Total costs for the project are not yet publicly available, as it’s currently in the design and regulatory approval phase with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
