Clearwater County has secured a $708,750 grant from the Alberta government to replace an aging bridge northwest of Caroline, a move officials say is critical for maintaining access for area residents.
The funding comes from the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP), administered by Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors. The grant will support the full replacement of the bridge which spans Mud Creek along Range Road 6-4, about nine kilometres northwest of Caroline.
Built in 1975, the 6.1-metre-long bridge is currently limited to vehicles weighing under five tonnes, a restriction imposed following a 2024 engineering inspection. The aging timber structure shows signs of advanced rot and damage to its supporting piles, prompting officials to opt for a full replacement rather than extensive repairs.
“Investments in rural infrastructure like the Mud Creek bridge may not always make headlines, but they make a real difference in the lives of the people who live and work here,” Clearwater County Reeve Michelle Swanson said in a release. “Whether it’s families, farmers, or emergency vehicles needing reliable access, projects like this matter. They help keep our communities connected, our roads safe, and our economy moving.”
The new crossing will be constructed as a 3.36-metre bridge-sized culvert. While located on a no-exit road, the structure provides the only access for several residents living to the south. Without it, local landowners would be cut off from their properties.
Mud Creek bridge crossing on RR 6-4, northwest of Caroline. (Clearwater County)
STIP grants aim to help rural municipalities maintain and improve essential transportation infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Projects funded under the program are selected based on need, economic impact, and safety considerations.
Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon called the Mud Creek bridge project an important investment in the region’s future.
“Investing in transportation, water, and wastewater infrastructure across Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre is essential to keeping our communities safe, connected, and economically resilient,” said Nixon “The replacement of the Mud Creek bridge is a significant step forward in ensuring our infrastructure meets modern standards and serves the needs of residents, farmers, and local businesses.”
Construction timelines for the replacement project have not yet been finalized.
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