FIELD, B.C. – Two-way regular traffic has resumed on the Trans-Canada Highway in Yoho National Park after work to fix damage on the Chancellor-Kicking Horse bridge was completed almost two weeks ahead of time.
“The contractor was able to complete the needed stabilization work on the Chancellor-Kicking Horse Bridge ahead of schedule,” said James Eastham, public relations and communications officer for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit.
“Two-way traffic has been restored.”
Staff on a routine patrol on Thursday (April 11) discovered erosion on a wing wall of the bridge, located on the highway between Wapta Falls and Hoodoo Creek campground.
Since then, the eastbound lane of the bridge has been closed to traffic and the westbound lane has been reconfigured to single-lane alternating traffic.
It had been estimated repairs would take up to two weeks to complete.
Meanwhile, work will soon get underway on a major utility upgrade at the east gate over Banff National Park, which will have major impacts on normal traffic patterns between April 16 and May 3.
To allow the work to be completed, both through-lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway will be closed for eight days, and through-traffic will be re-directed to Lane 1 while the work is underway.
“Lane closures may result in significant delays, so visitors and local residents should plan ahead and give themselves extra time,” according to a Parks Canada social media post.
Park pass sales will continue through the open lanes.
“Please slow down and be mindful of on-site workers,” states Parks Canada. “Follow the directions of the signage, video message boards and traffic flaggers.”
For more information on road conditions and real-time updates, please go to Alberta 511: http://ow.ly/taEM50O5i4Z.
