Photo: Alberta is planning a two-lane replacement for the McKenzie Crossing Bridge on Highway 590 west of Big Valley, with construction possible in 2027. Photo credit: COWI North America

A new two-lane bridge is being designed to replace the aging single-lane structure carrying Highway 590 across the Red Deer River west of Big Valley.

Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and engineering firm COWI North America presented preliminary plans during a public information session Aug. 5 at the Elnora Community Hall.

The proposed McKenzie Crossing Bridge would be constructed slightly north of the existing bridge, allowing the current crossing to remain open while much of the work is completed.

The new structure is expected to be 147 metres long with three spans and two concrete piers in the river. It would carry one lane of traffic in each direction, replacing the existing bridge’s single-lane configuration.

The existing through-truss bridge has a 5.64-metre-wide roadway and a posted vertical clearance of 4.6 metres.

That height restriction can prevent some oversized agricultural and commercial loads from using the crossing.

The replacement bridge would not have an overhead structure, eliminating the current height restriction.

Plans also include realigning portions of Highway 590 on both sides of the river. The existing approaches have grades ranging from 6.7 per cent to 9.9 per cent. The new alignment would limit the maximum grade to seven per cent and have a posted speed of 80 km/h.

A new passing lane is proposed for the east approach, complementing the existing passing lane west of the bridge.

Intersection improvements are also planned. A turning lane would be added for properties west of the river while new turning lanes would improve access to the campground and service road on the east side.

The existing bridge was assembled at the site in 1979 using two steel truss spans fabricated in 1930. Each truss span is approximately 76 metres long, with shorter precast concrete approach spans at both ends.

Project information presented at the public session indicated the structure has several deficiencies and has passed its intended service life.

Design and regulatory work are continuing through 2026. The project could go to tender in spring 2027, subject to provincial approvals and funding.

If the project proceeds on the proposed schedule, construction could begin in summer 2027 and continue until fall 2030. The existing bridge would remain available to traffic during construction and would be demolished after the new crossing is ready to carry vehicles.

The total project cost has not been released because design and regulatory work remain underway.

McKenzie Crossing provides an important east-west connection between communities on both sides of the Red Deer River. It is also used by agricultural traffic, area residents and visitors accessing the river and nearby campground.