Drivers will face delays and rafters will face diversions due to construction at Red Deer’s Gaetz Avenue bridge southbound over the Red Deer River.
During this construction phase that begins on Tuesday and will wrap up on Oct. 15, delays will take place on the bridge.
The bridge will see single lane closures, so drivers are being reminded to slow down in those construction zones and obey all signs.
Repairs will also be made to one of the bridge piers where crews will be working in the river below the bridge deck.
In order to access the pier, the contractor will build an access road in the water from the south shore to the second bridge pier from the north shore.
The access road will be designed so the surface of the road is slightly submerged and water flows over it. However, water levels in the river do fluctuate.
The City of Red Deer reports the access road will be well marked, but is expected to be a hazard to watercraft.
The contractor will place signs to direct rafts to an exit point on the south shore.
Rafter will then be able to get out, portage around the work using the south riverside trail and then re-enter the river downstream of the construction site.
A channel will help navigate motorized watercraft between the first and second piers from the north shore.
The city reports the flow through this channel may be unpredictable and at times much faster than other areas on the river.
Boaters should use caution when navigating through the construction zone.