While progress is being made on the Gordon Taylor Bridge, crews are working through some delays.
While many in the valley impacted by the construction work on the only connector in Drumheller over the Red Deer River were hoping the first phase of the project to be completed, saw the signs that indicated a fall wrap-up, changed from October to November and November to December.
Wayne Wood, communications advisor for Alberta Transportation and Economic corridors tells the Mail the construction is taking longer than anticipated due to some delays in the supply of key materials needed for the project.
He also notes as the project extends later into the construction season, there could be further issues.
“The exact extent of the delays is also weather dependent as periods of colder weather will result in needing more time to complete the work,” said Wood in an email. “The project team is looking at ways to minimize delays and wrap up construction of this first season of construction as quickly as possible while still ensuring a high quality of work.”
Wood notes the budget was set at $10.1 million and the project is on budget.
When work is completed for this season he explains there will be a temporary concrete barricade down the middle of the bridge, as only half of the bridge will be rehabilitated.
Work on the west half of the bridge will start in the spring of 2025 and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025.
