Title
Funding Request - Bridge File 00110 (RR271, 900m South of Twp 534)
Proposed Motion
That Council approve $150,000 in Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) funding to complete design work for Bridge File 00110, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion. Bridge File 00110 was closed in July 2024 due to a failed inspection report. Funding approval for design will provide opportunity for Administration to advance this project forward in 2024.
Purpose
To obtain funding in 2024 to initiate design work as soon as possible. Design work will include an assessment of potential rehabilitation options to reduce timeline of the bridge closure and to potentially extend the lifecycle by 3-5 years. Extending the lifecycle may allow for interim bridge use and will provide time to ensure that all available grants can be applied for with work completed in a timely manner.
Summary
As part of annual, scheduled work activities, Administration completed bridge inspections as per the Province's Bridge Inspection and Maintenance (BIM) program. During the July 2, 2024, inspection of Bridge File 00110, issues were identified that led to a recommendation to close the bridge effective immediately due to safety precautions. The bridge has deteriorated beyond operational limits and must be rehabilitated or replaced prior to reopening. The bridge is a single span structure built in 1962. Average lifespan for these types of structures is 40-50 years so it is well past its anticipated lifecycle. Administration has reported it is a Low Advisory Rating in the BIM program annually since at least 2020.
At the time of approval for the 2024-2027 Capital Infrastructure Program, Bridge File 00110 was scheduled for design in 2025 with construction in 2026. Given the current rating and recent condition assessment report, Administration is recommending the design process be moved into the 2024 calendar year. This will allow Administration time to review options and determine near term action items. Administration will also endeavor to recover costs through the Strategic Infrastructure Transportation Program (STIP), which is the preferred funding source for bridge files. Administration has already confirmed with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors that there is no "emergency" repair allocation and the only option currently available is to request funding in the 2025 budget allocations.
Administration has identified four potential options that we will continue to investigate, subject to approval of the funding request. The four options are as follows:
Option 1 - RECOMMENDED - Fast track design (2024) of new bridge and advance construction (2025). This may require deferral of planned construction in 2025 of a different bridge location.
Bridge remains closed until new bridge is in place. Design completed over next 6 months and construction advanced as early as possible in 2025. As this is fish bearing stream, activities under Water Act (Provincial) and Fisheries Act (Federal) will limit access until late summer 2025. There is some limited risk with the timing of environmental approvals with the fast-track schedule. This is a permanent repair so STIP grant funding will apply, subject to provincial approval.
Option 2 - Purchase a temporary bridge, install it on top of existing bridge, maintain schedule for design (2025) and construction (2026) as per existing budget plans.
Bridge remains closed until temporary bridge is in place. Minimum of 3 months to procure and place from time of order. Can be done in winter conditions. Temporary bridge purchase and installation will cost approximately $175,000. STIP grant funding typically does not apply to temporary fixes. Temporary bridge can be relocated and reused on other structures; in the event we have unplanned closures similar to this location.
Option 3 - Fast track design (2024) of interim repairs to complete short-term fix (1-3 years); maintain schedule for design (2025) and construction (2026). Bridge remains closed until interim repairs are in place.
Bridge remains closed until interim repairs are in place. Minimum of 3 months to complete design. Construction must not occur in stream as this is fish bearing stream. Highest risk option as once the bridge is opened up and more information is known, we may find interim repair not appropriate. Interim repairs estimated at $150,000. STIP grant funding typically does not apply to temporary fixes. No cost recovery from interim repairs or reuse of materials.
Option 4 - Do nothing - leave the bridge closed. Maintain schedule for design (2025) and construction (2026).
Bridge remains closed until new bridge is in place. Administration initiates design in 2025 and follows through with construction in 2026 as per existing approved programs. As this is fish bearing stream, activities under Water Act (Provincial) and Fisheries Act (Federal) will limit access until late summer 2026. This option presents the lowest risk to Parkland County. This is a permanent repair so STIP grant funding will apply, subject to provincial approval.
Regardless of what year construction occurs, Administration anticipates the roadway must be closed for the duration of the new bridge construction. Interim improvements, identified in Options 2 and 3, will be removed prior to or during construction activities. The road may be re-opened following repairs for a period of time however it will need to be closed again to accommodate permanent construction. Administration considered adjacent temporary detour options, within 200 meters, and deemed it to not be a cost-effective option or an environmentally responsible activity to maintain a temporary crossing during construction at this location given the terrain, creek width and environmental impacts of a temporary crossing.
The overall impact to area residents is not deemed to be significant however, there is one landowner immediately north of the bridge that is directly impacted. That resident has informed Administration that an extended timeline for this detour is not acceptable and there is a request for more immediate action. The increased distance of travel depending on final destination is less than 2 Km (~900m north and ~900m back south). Any other area traffic can be rerouted to alternative roadways with minimal impact to travel.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Pillar A - Complete Communities - Goal 3 - To ensure that County infrastructure meets the needs of residents, businesses, and industry.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $150,000.00
Source of Funding: Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF)
There is potential cost recovery through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP). This will be part of the 2025 grant request through the STIP program.