The City of Lethbridge will be getting a third bridge, it’s just a matter of when. Transportation Manager Darwin Juell said it won’t be for at least another 10 years.
“Right now we have no idea when it’s going to get built,” Juell said. “Right now we have, in the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan), a placeholder for 2027 just to do design and environmental approvals.”
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The city’s transportation department presented its proposed projects to the finance committee for the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan.
It’s proposing $5 million to be used in 2027 to complete the design and cost estimate for the bridge.
Chinook Trail, as it will be known, was presented back in 2009 and would link University Drive near the community of Riverstone with Scenic Drive by Lethbridge College.
The estimated cost back then, was between $140 and $150 million. It was recommended the project be done in 25 years.
Juell said times have changed, with almost 40 per cent of the population living on the west side, and with the number of collisions and heavy traffic flows on Whoop-Up Drive and Highway 3, it’s time to start planning.
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“I don’t know if there is an intention on building it in the next 10 years, however it’s important to get the design done so we know what it’s going to cost. Then, we can approach the province and federal government on potential funding strategies.”
Mayor Chris Spearman understands the need for the third crossing, but said it won’t be a cheap project.
“We need to look at how the city is going to grow and figure out how we can get some funding support for it because it’s a major cost,” Spearman said. “Something in the range of close to $150 million is like a 10 per cent tax increase for one project alone.”
The city notes that the current plans for the third bridge could be accelerated if need increases. But, for now, Chinook Trail is a long way from completion.