The project to replace the Morrin Bridge should begin this fall.

The Mail reported in August of last year that the Morrin Bridge was on Alberta Transportation’s schedule for replacement.

The contract to replace the bridge has been awarded to Trevcon Enterprises Ltd. of Calgary.

“The project is expected to begin in September and be completed in the fall of 2020,” said Anna Neale of Alberta Transportation.

“The existing bridge is at the end of its service life, so it will be removed once the new bridge is finished. The work that is going to be started in September is going to be doing some piles for some fill, the construction of the road embankments and a berm for the pier construction.”

The new bridge will be located just north of the existing bridge. It will be an open steel girder bridge, unlike the existing truss bridge. This will improve sightlines and improve the safety. There will also be adjustments to the approaches to improve the drivability.

“The existing bridge only has a 7.3-metre wide roadway, and the new bridge is going to have a 12-metre roadway, with one lane in either direction,” she said.

This will help accommodate moving machinery. Additionally, the lack of the trusses removes any height restrictions for the bridge.

The government is working with Starland County, which owns some of the land the new bridge will be located on, to develop a boat a launch for recreational users and emergency services.

The estimated value of the new bridge is $20.4 million.

“We ask for patience during construction, there will be some minimal traffic impacts. There will be signage and all the traffic impacts will be posted on Alberta 511. People can check at Alberta 511, or check us on Twitter, and to be patient and watch for flag people during construction.”

In a tradition of success and fun, the annual Ride for STARS raised more than $45,000 for STARS Air Ambulance.

The 28th annual Ride, hosted by the Rumsey and District Ag Society took place on Sunday, August 13 at the TL Bar Ranch.

This year they had a great turnout with 146 riders who brought in $35,026 in pledges.

Rob Richmond of the organizing committee was very happy with the results.

“It was a very solid, a very awesome day,” said Richmond.

While the event has had great staying power and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, he says every year they are rolling the dice on attendance, which is dependent on the weather and other events.

Riders hit the trail at 10 a.m. after a great breakfast put on by the Rumsey Fire department.

This year they broke a record for poker run sales, with 235 hands. They also had a successful silent auction and quilt raffle.
Ember Resources was also supportive with a $2,500 donation. He is grateful for all the support the event has received from riders, volunteers, and donors.

The event also had special visitors including Miss Rodeo Airdrie Sarah Park, as well as STARS Very Important Patient Deena Hill of Linden. STARS saved her life following a car accident on Highway 2 in 2006.

Organizers of the Rumsey Ride took a moment out to honour one of the founders of the annual ride, Ernie Goddard. At the presentation are (l-r) Ernie, Rob Richmond, Jill Broadie, Eleanor Richmond, Ricky Andersen, Mary Newton. Missing is Joanne Richmond.
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They also took some time to honour one their Founders. Ernie Goddard has been with the ride since the beginning, and there is hardly a year that he isn’t in the running for top fundraiser. At 92 he was in the saddle again for the ride this year

Organizers presented a portrait to Ernie done by local artist Lee Cawiezel.

“We had a ceremony to honour Ernie and the hard work he has done over the years, he was one of the founders.” said Richmond.