Repairs to the North Entrance Bridge in Big Valley was one of the topics of discussion during the village’s regular council meeting on Thursday, September 24.
County of Stettler and the village are working together to advocate to Alberta Transportation, who own the bridge, to complete the much needed repairs.
“The County of Stettler has currently contacted Alberta Transportation to advocate on behalf of the county and the Village of Big Valley that this bridge be repaired as soon as possible,” said Sandra Schell, Chief Administrative Officer for Big Valley.
Although the bridge is owned by Alberta Transportation, the County of Stettler has been in charge of inspections. During one of these routine inspections it was discovered there was deterioration of the bridge structure.
In December 2019 weight restrictions and a 10 tonne load advisory were placed on the bridge.
Discussion was brought up during a County of Stettler council meeting earlier this year, in March, and reports outlining the condition of the bridge were sent to Alberta Transportation for review. However, as there is another entrance to the village available, Alberta Transportation has deemed repairs a “low priority” and have recommended the county or the Village of Big Valley to apply for the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) in November.
“This is an estimated million dollar project,” Schell told the Mail.
If approved, the grant would cover 75 per cent of the cost to repair or replace the bridge, leaving either the county or village to come up with the other $250,000.
The County of Stettler is completing applications and updating inspection reports for the STIP grant funding. Big Valley council unanimously approved supporting this application.
