Crews continue to assess damage to Whoop-Up Drive bridge

Motorists using Whoop-Up Drive for their daily commute will be facing some additional traffic challenges following an incident yesterday. 

Just after 9:30 a.m. on August 6, a piece of heavy equipment being transported on a flatbed trailer struck the underside of the Whoop-Up Drive bridge. Traffic access to the bridge was immediately closed during an initial safety assessment before partially reopening later in the morning. 

Engineering crews were able to place support pillars under the bridge while the truck, flatbed trailer and equipment were safely removed yesterday evening. These pillars remain in place currently while crews continue to assess the damage and determine the next steps. 

“We are thankful no one was injured during this incident,” says Joel Sanchez, Director of Infrastructure Services. “We are also fortunate that engineering crews from Volker Stevin and AECOM already working on the bridge were on site to immediately begin assessing the damage. This work is ongoing, and we do not yet have specific details on the long-term status of any repairs needed, the potential costs involved or exact timelines. We appreciate the public’s patience as we work through all these angles.” 

With continued safety for both workers and motorists as the top priority, beginning today there will be further adjustments to traffic flow: 

• The loop from northbound Scenic Drive onto Whoop-Up Drive will be re-opened 
• Westbound 6 Avenue into Whoop-Up Drive will be re-opened 
• There will be zipper merge locations for westbound traffic, as motorists from 6 Avenue and from the northbound Scenic Drive offramp will merge 
• That traffic will then merge with traffic from the southbound Scenic Drive offramp 
• To increase capacity and reduce delays, we are also adjusting eastbound Whoop-Up Drive lanes by moving the inside lane closure closer to the bridge  
• Both eastbound and westbound Whoop-Up Drive lanes will be fully opened after the bridge decks in each direction 

“We are now focused on providing the best and safest traffic accommodations we can, given these new circumstances,” says Richard Brummund, Road Infrastructure Manager. 

Using a zipper merge helps traffic flow when there is a lane closure. See this video for reminders on how to properly navigate through a zipper merge. 

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 

Wednesday’s incident was unrelated to the bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive which began on July 24. Initial timelines and scope of that work may need to be adjusted based on the damage assessments. 

The public may have questions about the status of another river crossing. A preliminary design is currently scheduled for 2027. 

Lethbridge Police Service is also investigating the incident. 

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 with 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.