The County of Stettler is stepping up its campaign for provincial support as aging bridges affect key rural transportation corridors.
During its Oct. 28 meeting, council heard that 12 low-rated bridges across the county can no longer handle the weight loads of modern commercial traffic.
Ahead of the recent Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention, staff prepared a map pinpointing all twelve bridge structures, many of which were built in the 1960s.
This was to demonstrate to provincial decision-makers how the compromised crossings are cutting off access to agricultural and oil and gas infrastructure around the County.
Around the table, council debated whether current signage provides enough advance warning for large trucks to navigate around restricted routes.
The County is pursuing provincial funding through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (S.T.I.P.) for bridge rehabilitation projects.
In the meantime, residents and business operators experiencing access issues are being asked to submit letters to the province via the County office.
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
