Bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive begins tomorrow

Bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive will begin tomorrow, July 24, 2025, and construction will continue until the end of September, weather permitting. This work is required to maintain this critical piece of our traffic network and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Lane closures and detours will create traffic delays on Whoop-Up Drive and adjoining commuter routes. Motorists are advised to expect a longer commute time. Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained for the majority of the construction timeline. 

Purpose of the project

Bridge rehabilitation is required to protect the bridge and provide safe conditions to Lethbridge residents. Bridge expansion joint replacement will take place on two of the westbound lanes. Done in cycles, the City of Lethbridge analyzes bridge conditions and identifies work that will preserve the structures. Rehabilitation work performed at the right time reduces the potential for larger repairs, replacements, or structural failures. The project is included and approved in the 2022-2031 Capital Improvement Program (project C-9) and the first phase of construction began in 2024.

This project is a vital investment in the long-term safety, reliability and durability of Whoop-Up Drive.

Traffic impacts during this project

The first five weeks of work will require significant lane closures, detours and reduced speed limits which is expected to increase traffic congestion in this area: 

• Two inner westbound lanes of Whoop-Up Drive are closing to traffic.
• For the first time, this construction project will use the median crossover diverters which will allow for two lanes of traffic to be maintained in both directions (see traffic flow map below).
  • The westbound Whoop-Up Drive traffic from 6 Avenue South will be diverted across the median to an alternate lane.
  • The westbound Whoop-Up Drive traffic from the southbound Scenic Drive lanes will use the outer westbound lane Whoop-Up Drive. 
• The northbound Scenic Drive exit to Whoop-Up Drive will be closed – commuters are advised to plan an alternate route.
• The westbound Whoop Up Drive exit to northbound University Drive will not be accessible to traffic coming from 6 Avenue South. Commuters are advised to plan an alternate route.
• For the safety of workers and motorists, speeds will be lowered to 30, 50 or 60 km/h in construction zones. Please watch for posted speeds
• Digital signage on Whoop-Up Drive will be in place to alert commuters about changes over the summer.
• Signage and controls will be in place to direct traffic around the lane closures
• Before the University of Lethbridge students return in the fall, we anticipate opening two lanes westbound and all three lanes eastbound.

To help minimize traffic congestion in this area:

• This work has been planned in coordination with the Government of Alberta to ensure the construction on the Highway 3 river crossing was completed before Whoop-Up Drive began.
• An additional turning lane has been added to Bridge Drive and University Drive West to help move increased traffic through this route.
• Due to weather delays, some overlap of the scheduled milling and paving on University Drive will take place this week from tomorrow until Sunday, July 27. Line painting will be completed in non-peak hours to minimize impact.
• The remaining milling and paving program has been adjusted for roadways adjacent to Whoop-Up Drive or detour routes.
• The major traffic impacts are occurring in July and August when schools are out, traffic is lighter, and weather conditions are more favourable. 

Planning your commute

• Add extra time to your commute to help reduce frustration due to delays.
• Commuters are advised to use alternate routes during peak traffic hours to avoid congestion.
• Reduce speed for your safety, and the safety of workers on site.
• Follow all posted signage and traffic controls.
• Live traffic cameras are available online to help motorists monitor their route including both Whoop-Up Drive and Highway 3.

Stay up to date on road work, detours and closure

• Residents are encouraged to check the WebMap for up-to-date information on road closures, facility closures and city projects and initiatives.
• The community can also stay informed and engaged with all City of Lethbridge news by subscribing to receive News Releases, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and Our Stories directly to their inboxes.

For Public Inquiries:
Call or Chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.