By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Rocky Mountain Outlook
July 26, 2024
Completion of a wildlife overpass under construction on the Trans-Canada Highway east of Canmore is delayed a little longer, but it’s already being put to use by local wildlife.
It was scheduled for completion by fall 2023, then summer 2024, and now it’s looking like the Bow Valley Gap wildlife overpass will be finished this fall, if all goes according to plan.
“Construction of the wildlife overpass crossing and miscellaneous work on Highway 1 is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2024,” said Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors press secretary Jesse Furber, in a statement.
“This is a revised estimate of the completion date based on the progress of work this year.”
The ministry said remaining work includes concrete finishing and minor repair work that includes concrete components; finalizing remaining earth work at the steel arch structures; additional top soil, planting of shrubs and trees on the overpass; finalizing of wildlife fencing work on overpass and along the Trans-Canada Highway 1; eastbound and westbound permanent barrier installation along the Highway at the overpass; removal of the detour road; roadway works and line painting; and site clean-up.
Challenges with design and resulting safety concerns were identified by the province last fall, forcing construction into this year.
The project was originally budgeted at $17.5 million. The province did not share details on how budget has potentially been affected by delays or any potential redesign.
Despite ongoing construction, the province has reported successful wildlife crossings over the highway.
“At this time, the following species have crossed the highway using the overpass: white-tailed deer, mule deer, coyote, elk and lynx,” said Furber.
Subscribe to our newsletter.
Two new wildlife crossings are also in planning for Highway 1A, near Canmore and Exshaw.