Attendees apprised of progress

Having made recent progress on the Smith Bridge Rebuild project, MD leadership hosted an infoisession at the Smith Complex to keep community members in the loop. Thge event took place June 13, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and included a bbq. Councillors, department managers and engineers were at the complex for one-on-one discussions about the Smith Bridge and other critical infrastructure projects of interest to local residents. Newly-elected MLA Sinclair was also in attendance.

The infosession was well-attended, and provided an opportunity for community members to review a set of display panels and discuss the Smith Bridge rebuild project with MD representatives in attendance. Below you’ll find answers to recurring questions, plus digital copies of the infosession display panels.

How much will it cost to replace the bridge?

Based on similar bridge replacement projects, it is estimated that design and construction will cost between $45 million and $60 million (in today's dollars).

If the bridge is being replaced, why repair it?

The repairs are needed to keep the existing bridge safe and serviceable until the new bridge is constructed.

How long will it take to build the bridge?

Construction is estimated to take roughly two years.

When will the bridge be built?

The project is scheduled to be tendered in early 2025, with construction
starting that year and completed by the end of 2026. Keep in mind that the construction timeline hinges on the commitment of infrastructure funding from the Government of Alberta. Demolition of the existing bridge is planned to occur after the new bridge is completed.

Where will the new bridge be located?

The new bridge will be located on a new alignment, east of the existing bridge. The new alignment is designed to minimize disruption to the use of the existing bridge, while also considering impacts to existing utilities and extent of roadway work required.

“Getting this bridge rebuilt in the near term is our top strategic priority as Councillors.”

— Murray Kerik, Reeve

Will the existing bridge need to be shut down while the new bridge is being built?

No; the existing bridge will remain in service throughout construction of the new crossing with minimal disruption to traffic.

What will the new bridge look like?

The new bridge will be an open-top design supported on concrete piers with deep piled foundations. It will likely be comprised of steel girders with a concrete deck.

Will the new bridge be at the same height as the existing one?

No; the new bridge will be higher than its predecessor. This will allow for deeper steel girders, while maintaining the clearance to the river.
A hydrotechnical review, performed during design stages, will consider extreme weather events and climate change impact that may influence the height of the new crossing.

Will there be load restrictions on the new bridge?

No; the new bridge will be designed to meet all legal highway vehicle loading parameters.

How many lanes will the bridge have?

The preliminary design process will review all viable options, including a one-lane bridge design with traffic control as well as a two-lane bridge. The final determination will be based on projected needs coupled with available budget.

Can the old bridge stay as a historical structure or converted into a multi-use bridge?

Unfortunately, the costs of maintaining the bridge make it cost prohibitive to preserve its use for other uses such as off-road vehicles or pedestrians. Part of the problem with the legacy bridge is the continued erosion of the supporting piers due to its placement and the construction methods of the day.
Whether it's used by pedestrians or commercial traffic, the long-term stability of the old Smith Bridge remains a concern.

Will the overhead powerlines need to be relocated?

No; the new construction will be limited to the east side of the existing bridge and will not interfere with the existing overhead powerlines.
Whether it's used by pedestrians or commercial traffic, the long-term stability of the old Smith Bridge remains a concern.