Alberta-based Alberco Construction Ltd. will begin work in late summer. The project will support more than 400 jobs during construction.
“The existing bridge is old, too narrow and has served its useful life. The new bridge will support economic development, improvements to safety and commuter traffic in and around Athabasca, and provide a connection for area Indigenous communities.”
“The Athabasca community has looked forward to this bridge replacement for many years. Thank you to Minister Sawhney for ensuring this project will be built. My constituents, as well as industry stakeholders, look forward to the improved safety and opportunity the new bridge will deliver.”
“The awarding of the contract and construction of the new bridge is fantastic news for the Town of Athabasca, Athabasca County and the entire region. It’s been a long time coming and the news that the project will commence starting this fall is very welcoming. Thank you to Premier Kenney and Transportation Minister Sawhney for helping make this long-awaited project a reality.”
The existing bridge will remain in place until the new bridge opens. The new bridge, which will be north of the existing bridge, will include a pedestrian sidewalk and one kilometre of road realignment.
With the contract in place, the contractor is expected to finalize supplier contracts and material delivery before construction starts later this summer.
Quick facts
- The existing bridge spanning the Athabasca River was built in 1950 and includes a wooden plank bridge deck.
- Design, utility relocations and right-of-way acquisition were completed between 2017 and 2022.
- The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in 2025.
- The new bridge will include:
- two 3.7-metre-wide lanes with 1.8-metre-wide shoulders on either side
- a 2.5-metre sidewalk on the south side of the bridge