Damages were caused to four of the six steel girders on Whoop-Up Drive. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Four of six girders on Whoop-Up Drive damaged, assessments continue

Aug 12, 2025 | 1:22 PM

The City of Lethbridge assures that Whoop-Up Drive is still safe for motorists.

Work to assess the damage caused on August 6 continues, after a piece of heavy equipment struck the underside of the bridge.

Director of Infrastructure Services Joel Sanchez says that there are six steel bridge girders that support the roadway, four of which were damaged. A larger version of the image showing the girders is at the bottom of this article.

• No. 1 is damaged, but remains safe for motorists to use, according to experts
• No. 2 and No. 3 are damaged and are being assessed for repair
• No. 4 sustained the most damage. Needed repairs are being assessed, designed and planned, in consultation with experts
• No. 5 and No. 6 were not damaged and will remain open

“Our engineering crews continue to monitor the four bridge girders that have been damaged,” says Sanchez. “We are running inspections twice a day to monitor damages and assess next steps, while in constant communication with experts. Bridges are complex pieces of infrastructure and we have already been working with some of the top bridge experts in the country.”

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There is currently no timeline or cost estimates for any repairs that may need to be done.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen says he is hoping to have all of the repair costs covered by insurance. There are a few other avenues the City can pursue for cost-recovery, but his goal is to avoid any tax-related impacts.

The accident happened while there was already construction on Whoop-Up Drive for bridge rehabilitation. Sanchez says the new damages should not force crews to deviate from the end-of-September deadline for this project.

READ MORE: Whoop-Up lane closures starting next week (July 15 article)

The road maintenance has resulted in traffic delays for those travelling across the coulees, and especially on Monday evening, as there was a series of collisions on Highway 3.

Hyggen says he understands that the delays are frustrating, but he is urging everyone to drive safely and with respect towards others.

“I have received dozens of calls, texts and emails last night and this morning regarding the traffic issues related to the ongoing Whoop-Up Drive issues. As our experts continue to analyze, monitor and plan next steps, our Lethbridge City Council wants to thank our residents for their continued patience as we address these matters,” says Hyggen.

Starting on Wednesday at noon, the Scenic Drive northbound-Whoop-Up Drive westbound ramp will be closed. This is being done to:

• Reduce traffic volume that would help the current maintenance work, as well as lessening impacts to the structural concerns with the damaged girders
• Help Lethbridge Transit, which is still safe to use on Whoop-Up Drive, address the current delays experienced on routes using Whoop-Up Drive

As of Tuesday morning, heavy-load trucks are not allowed on the westbound lane of Whoop-Up Drive.

READ MORE: Heavy loads restricted on westbound Whoop-Up Drive

Damages were caused to four of the six steel girders on Whoop-Up Drive. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

READ MORE: LPS charges truck driver who damaged Whoop-Up Drive

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