Officials with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors say construction on the Highway 11 bridge crossing over the CN Rail line in the south end of Rocky Mountain House will begin on Monday, May 6.

Construction is expected to last until October with work being completed between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

Officials say the project will see a new bridge deck completed along with new concrete barriers, paving and improvements to the existing guardrails.

In an emailed statement to 94.5 Rewind Radio News, Laura Button, communications coordinator with the Town of Rocky Mountain House, says the improvements are a welcomed development on the provincially-maintained bridge deck.

“It is an important access to town for residents and visitors, and we are glad to see improvements to the bridge. In the interest of safety, the Town of Rocky Mountain House reminds drivers to be patient and plan a little extra time to get through the construction zone.”

Officials note traffic will be down to one lane in each direction with reduced widths of 3.3 metres during the project.

Officials add a traffic accommodation strategy is in place to mitigate the impacts to travellers, and pedestrian crossings over the bridge will be closed for the duration of construction.