LEADER — The province is looking ahead to the next handful of years when it comes to addressing key traffic infrastructure that will require extensive rehabilitation.
One of those projects involves the Highway 21 bridge that sits above the South Saskatchewan River.
Located north of the town of Leader, the bridge was originally built in 1971 and had its last major rehabilitation work in 1985. The structure is listed as being in fair condition and is inspected every two years.
Attention toward its physical state follows work carried out just under two years ago, when repairs were needed after a collision. A total of 30 metal posts had to be replaced and metal cables re-affixed, though there was no damage to the bridge itself.
The repairs were done along a 50-metre stretch and completed in one day, at a final cost of $13,250.
Now, attention is back on the Highway 21 structure as the province looks at road infrastructure in need of updates.
David Horth, a director of communications for the Ministry of Highways, says work on the bridge is expected within the next few years.
"A rehabilitation project is tentatively planned within the next five years," Horth said. "A consultant is being hired to evaluate the overall condition of the bridge and provide options for improvements."
There are no cost estimates yet, as planning is still in the early stages.
"Any cost estimate would be developed after the consultant helps us to determine what work is needed to extend the life of the bridge," said Horth.
