Whoop-Up Drive at 8:40 a.m. on July 15, 2025. Bridge rehabilitation work is scheduled to begin next week. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Whoop-Up lane closures starting next week

Jul 15, 2025 | 9:02 AM

The City of Lethbridge will soon begin bridge rehabilitation work on Whoop-Up Drive.

Starting the week of July 21, 2025, and continuing until the end of September, drivers will experience lane closures and detours on the route connecting west and south Lethbridge.

Officials say this project is required to protect the bridge and provide safe driving conditions, and is a “vital investment in the long-term safety, reliability and durability of Whoop-Up Drive.”

The work will take place on two of the westbound lanes. Done in cycles, crews will analyze bridge conditions and identify work that will preserve the structures.

The first five weeks of the project will require “significant” lane closures, detours and reduced speed limits.

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“Lane closures and detours will create traffic delays on Whoop-Up Drive and adjoining commuter routes,” reads a notice from the City of Lethbridge. “Motorists are advised to expect a longer commute time. Two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained for the majority of the construction timeline.”

Traffic impacts, as explained by the City of Lethbridge, include:

• For the first time, this construction project will use the median crossover diverters, which will allow for two lanes of traffic to be maintained in both directions.
• Northbound Scenic Drive to Whoop-Up Drive exit will be closed – motorists will be detoured to Highway 3 to access west Lethbridge.
• The exit to northbound University Drive from westbound Whoop-Up will only be accessible to the outside westbound lane.
• For the safety of workers and motorists, speeds will be lowered to 30, 50 or 60 km/h in construction zones. Please watch for posted speeds.
• Digital signage on Whoop-Up Drive will be in place to alert commuters about changes over the summer.
• Signage and controls will be in place to direct traffic around the lane closures.
• Before the University of Lethbridge students return in the fall, we anticipate opening two lanes westbound and all three lanes eastbound.

To help minimize traffic congestion in this area:

• This work has been planned in coordination with the Government of Alberta to ensure the construction on the Highway 3 river crossing was completed before Whoop-Up Drive began.
• Scheduled milling and paving will be completed on University Drive over the next week to prevent overlapping, with subsequent line painting scheduled for non-peak hours.
• An additional turning lane has been added to Bridge Drive and University Drive West to help move increased traffic through this route.
• The remaining milling and paving program has been adjusted for roadways adjacent to Whoop-Up Drive or detour routes.
• The bulk of the project was planned for July and August when schools are out, traffic is lighter, and weather conditions are more favourable.

Planning your commute

• Add extra time to your commute to help reduce frustration due to delays.
• Commuters are advised to use alternate routes during peak traffic hours to avoid congestion.
• Reduce speed for your safety, and the safety of workers on site.
• Follow all posted signage and traffic controls.
• Live traffic cameras are available online to help motorists monitor their route, including both Whoop-Up Drive and Highway 3.