Lacombe County council adopted its five-year bridge program at its regular council meeting Sept. 24, setting priorities for bridge replacement and rehabilitation across the municipality.

The program follows criteria established in the county’s Bridge Management Plan, which considers structural condition, traffic volumes, costs, remaining lifespan, functionality, detour distances and local importance.

According to the council agenda report, two bridges are proposed for replacement in 2027. One is on Range Road 27-2, six kilometres south of Lacombe. The other is on Range Road 24-3, three kilometres north of Haynes.

Engineering and design work for both replacements was underway when the report was prepared.

The report lists estimated 2027 bridge capital costs of $3.21 million. It proposes funding the work through the county’s bridge reserve, with provincial grant funding reducing the reserve contribution if applications are successful.

The reserve was projected to hold approximately $6.24 million on Jan. 1, 2027.

Administration reported that all bridges identified in the program have structural ratings below 40 per cent, one of the primary criteria for STIP grant funding.

The county has also extended its preparation timeline for bridge projects. Engineering and design now begin two years before construction, compared with one year previously.

That change was introduced in 2025 to account for longer design and environmental approval processes and help keep construction on schedule.