Title
Alberta Transportation Bridge Report
Proposed Motions
That Council approve up to $4,350,000 of Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Capital funding for the construction of a pedestrian underpass/ wildlife corridor under Highway 16 east of Range Road 42, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion as it aligns with several of Council's long term strategic plans and investments in Wabamun.
Purpose
To provide a pedestrian, bicycle, and alternative modes connection and a wildlife corridor between the Hamlet of Wabamun and the future development lands in the area known as Whitewood Mine.
Summary
There are two existing bridges on Hwy 16 east of Rge Rd 42 that will be removed by Alberta Transportation in 2023. These two bridges (one eastbound, one westbound) were installed in partnership with Alberta Transportation and TransAlta approximately 60 years ago and have reached the end of their lifecycle. Their original intent was for large coal carrying vehicles to drive under the highway between the Whitewood coal mine and the TransAlta power plant along the shores of Lake Wabamun. The power plant and coal mining activities were ceased many years ago and the bridge underpasses have been relatively unused since.
Parkland County was approached by Alberta Transportation to discuss a variety of options such as removal, repair, and/or replacement as well as culvert installation and similar options. Parkland County Administration noted there was some level of interest with respect to future pedestrian, bicycle and/or alternative modes access between the Hamlet and Whitewood Mine’s future development areas as well as maintaining a wildlife corridor under the highway. This is the primary purpose to bring this information to Council for consideration. It is important to note that the funding identified will only include the portion within Highway 16 right-of-way and will not provide an immediate connection to the nor...
Click here for full text