News | DrumhellerMail

$20 million Morrin Bridge replacement underway

   A mega project is underway just north of Drumheller as construction kicks off on a new Morrin Bridge.
   The bridge, spanning the Red Deer River on Highway 27 is being replaced. The site near the Morrin Recreational area is a hive of activity.
   “Work began this September and is expected to be completed by fall, 2020,” said Anna Neale, Communications advisor for Alberta Transportation, in an email.
   The bridge will be located just north of the existing bridge. Neale explains the first year of construction will mainly focus on the substructure.
   The new bridge will be a 140-metre long steel girder bridge with a 12-metre roadway. The existing bridge has a roadway of about 7.3 metres. As a girder bridge, it will not be covered, allowing agricultural machinery to move more easily. The expanded width will also improve functionality.
   The bridge will be one lane in each direction and the design will improve sightlines, and also improves the bridge approaches, adding more safety to the site.
   There will be site improvements, including a boat launch which will come towards the end of the project. The province and Starland County has worked closely on the planning of the project and site.
   Neale reminds drivers to be aware of the construction.
“Drivers are reminded to watch for signs and flag people during construction and to check 511.alberta.ca for traffic information and updates,” she stated.
   The estimated value of the project is $20.4 million and has been awarded to Trevcon Enterprises Ltd. of Calgary. The existing Bridge is at the end of its service life.

Drumheller Institution under lockdown

On February 19, 2018, at about 3:20 p.m., a lockdown was put in place in the medium security unit at Drumheller Institution, to enable staff members to conduct an exceptional search.
The search was ordered to ensure the safety and security of the institution, its staff and inmates. Normal operations will resume as soon as it is considered safe to do so.
Visits have been suspended until the search is completed.
This lockdown comes just two days after Anatoly Eichman, an inmate from Drumheller Institution, died while in custody.
At the time of his death, Mr. Eichman, 29 years old, had been serving a sentence of 2 years, 5 months and 21 days for Possession of prohibited/restricted firearm with ammunition, since June 2, 2017.
As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, Correctional Service Canada will review the circumstances and contact the police and the coroner if required.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is committed to preventing the entry of contraband into its institutions. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

Family Day Festivities

Mailphoto by Terri Huxley

Family Day Monday brought droves of children and parents to the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) on Monday, February 19. The field house was filled with kid friendly activities like a ring toss, bouncy castles, scavenger hunts, crafts, and more. More than 500 people participated. Mailphotos by Terri Huxley

Check out below for more photos taken at the BCF!

Pictured above: Marcuz Quintans, 4, is all smiles as his father Romel follows him down the inflatable slide.

Mailphoto by Terri Huxley