Alberco Construction wins bid to replace Highway 813 bridge
By Adam Freill
Bridges Construction InfrastructureA 72-year-old bridge with wooden plank bridge deck to be replaced in the Town of Athabasca.
Alberta-based Alberco Construction Ltd. will begin work in late summer to replace a 72-year-old bridge in the Town of Athabasca with a new $70-million structure. The project will support more than 400 jobs during construction.
“The existing bridge is old, too narrow and has served its useful life,” explained Rajan Sawhney, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation. “The new bridge will support economic development, improvements to safety and commuter traffic in and around Athabasca, and provide a connection for area Indigenous communities.”
“The awarding of the contract and construction of the new bridge is fantastic news for the Town of Athabasca, Athabasca County and the entire region,” expressed Robert Balay, Athabasca’s mayor. “It’s been a long time coming and the news that the project will commence starting this fall is very welcoming.”
The existing bridge will remain in place until the new bridge opens. The new bridge, which will be north of the existing bridge, will include a pedestrian sidewalk and one kilometre of road realignment.
The Highway 813 bridge spanning the Athabasca River was built in 1950 and includes a wooden plank bridge deck. Design, utility relocations and right-of-way acquisition were completed between 2017 and 2022 and, with the contract in place, the contractor is expected to finalize supplier contracts and material delivery before construction starts later this summer. It is expected to open to traffic in 2025.
