The first phase of work will begin on Monday to replace and fortify a Lac La Biche bridge partially washed-out by floodwater surges last June. Motorists in the Lac La Biche region have been reminded to expect delays at the start of this week as winter bridge-work began on the Nashim Drive bridge.
The bridge that crosses the Little Beaver Brook at a southern inflow into Lac La Biche lake, suffered extensive damage last year as flood water from steady rains and over-flowing drainage ditches bloated the normally shallow creek.
The bridge is part of a western entrance road into the Lac La Biche hamlet, and is also part of a lakeshore walking trail system.
Work began February 1 with subsurface soil drilling, the initial step in a process to shore up the damaged foundation of the bridge.
"Lac La Biche County will eventually replace the bridge in Nashim Drive to improve the safety standards of the crossing," say municipal spokesperson Jihad Moghrabi.
Monday's drilling work was only expected to last a single day, with Nashim Drive reduced to a single lane of traffic between Tarrabain Drive and 107 Street. Pedestrian traffic will also be affected by the work.
Barricades and protective fencing are expected to remain in place around the area.
"Residents are asked to please respect all signage, fencing and barricades," said Moghrabi. "We ask that the public stay clear of this area during the drilling operations."
Municipal officials are still waiting on word for a timeframe to completely remove and replace the structure.
RELATED: JUNE 2020: FLOOD WATERS THREATEN COMMUNITY, INFRASTRUCTURE
