River rafters are being asked to avoid the area immediately upstream of the Gaetz Avenue bridge in Red Deer because of debris collecting there.
Recent high water levels in the Red Deer River have resulted in the buildup of large trees and other debris on the concrete piers below the bridge. The debris poses a potentially serious hazard to recreational rafters and users of non-powered watercraft, according to City of Red Deer staff.
The city is working on plans to clear this buildup of driftwood from the bridge piers as soon as weather and other conditions permit.
Anyone who must travel on the river are asked to keep to the south side of the river and stay well clear of the concrete piers when approaching this bridge.
Some parts of Red Deer’s trail system have been closed this week due to high water levels in the Red Deer River.
Sections of the North Bank Trail within the Waskasoo Park system are no longer open to the public. The trail from Kiwanis Picnic Park to the Heritage Ranch pedestrian bridge, as well as the canoe launch at 45th Avenue and 59th Street, are closed until further notice.