November 14, 2012
Province Announces Accelerated Replacement of Bridge Over Souris River on PR 251
– – –Work on Coulter Area Structure to Continue Through Fall and Winter
The province is accelerating the replacement of the bridge over the Souris River near Coulter on PR 251, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced today. This bridge had to be closed due to severe flood damage.
“We all know the damage inflicted by last year’s flood has been substantial. The province recognizes this closure has been a major disruption for local residents, farmers and businesses,” said Ashton. “It normally takes about five years to design, receive environmental approval and build a bridge of this size. We are trying to get this done in half that time.”
The contractor is expected to be on site near Coulter by early December to proceed with the construction of the new foundations for the replacement bridge. This work will continue during the winter months.
Work on the new bridge is expected to be completed by late fall next year.
In recent months, progress included:
- designing the new bridge,
- gaining environmental approvals,
- tendering and awarding of the contract to supply the girders, and
- tendering and awarding of the contract to build the new bridge.
In 2013, the overall project plan includes:
- installation of the new bridge’s girders before the spring run-off,
- construction of the deck and railing during the summer and fall,
- construction of the approach roads during the summer and fall, and
- completion of final work and a reopening by late fall.
Although work on the project could be temporarily halted due to high water levels on the Souris River in the spring, this type of interruption is built into the schedule, Ashton said. The bridge will remain closed until all work is completed.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution approaching and driving in any construction zone for their own safety and the safety of workers. The latest information on lane closures and road conditions is available any time toll-free at 511, at www.mb511.ca or by following the Twitter account @MBGovRoads.
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