Alberta Transportation is taking a close look at Gordon Taylor Bridge for future maintenance and improvement.
    Bridge deck rehabilitation is listed in the Alberta Government’s 2018  construction schedule which includes major capital projects scheduled to 2023. The document was last updated in November 2018 and  lists the project’s status as at the design phase.
    Wayne Wood, communications advisor for Alberta Transportation says they are finishing up the preliminary design phase.
    “The engineering consultant is finalizing preliminary design, which will be used to choose a rehabilitation option followed by detailed structural design,” he said.
     “No timeline has been determined for possible construction work as the Government of Alberta is considering all projects as part of the overall capital planning process leading to a new budget in the fall.”
He adds the preliminary design work includes both structural matters along with any possible changes to the operation of lanes.
    The other major construction project in the Drumheller area is the Morrin Bridge replacement.
      He said work continues on pouring the new bridge deck, installing guardrails and re-aligning the highway on either side of the new bridge, which is on schedule to open to traffic this fall.
     The old Morrin Bridge will be removed and final site work will be completed when the new bridge is open. This project will extend into the summer of next year.

The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) has restructured its World’s Largest Dinosaur (WLD) Legacy Fund.
     Previously the Chamber would invite not for profits and formally organized groups to apply to the fund made up of 15 per cent of admission to the WLD and 15 per cent of giftshop sales, for capital projects that benefit the community. In its almost 20-year history,  it has contributed more than $600,000  to the community.
     While the fund will continue to collect 15 per cent of WLD admissions and giftshop sales on a monthly basis, the focus of the fund has shifted. A portion of the Legacy Funds will now be used to support economic development initiatives in partnership with the Town of Drumheller. Remaining funds will be set aside for the continued maintenance of the World’s Largest Dinosaur and to investigate options for WLD 2.0.
    For 2019, the Chamber of Commerce will invest up to $22,000 of Legacy Funds to collaborate with the Town of Drumheller on various economic development opportunities both partners view as mutually beneficial to the business community and the Town.
    The first project being the blade signage program. Through the Legacy Fund, the DDCC will cover half of the cost of the structural engineering fees associated with mounting the blade signs. As well, the Chamber of Commerce will cover the Town’s development permit fee for any Chamber member wishing to install a blade sign. Together the Town and Chamber of Commerce were able to secure preferential pricing on the blade signs through Garry’s Welding by agreeing to purchase 10 signs upfront.