Bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive: Lane closures

Bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive will begin next week 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 as 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:   

• 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.   
• Northbound Scenic Drive to Whoop-Up Drive exit will be closed – motorists will be detoured to Highway 3 to access west Lethbridge.   
• The exit to northbound University Drive from westbound Whoop-Up will only be accessible to the outside westbound lane.  
• 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. 
• Scheduled milling and paving will be completed on University Drive over the next week to prevent overlapping, with subsequent line painting scheduled for non-peak hours. 
• An additional turning lane has been added to Bridge Drive and University Drive West to help move increased traffic through this route. 
• The remaining milling and paving program has been adjusted for roadways adjacent to Whoop-Up Drive or detour routes.  
• The bulk of the project was planned for 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 closures 

• 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.

Media Contact:  
media@lethbridge.ca