Whoop-Up drive -- Image taken in July

By Connor Gunn

Council reviewing location options for potential third bridge

Dec 15, 2021 | 5:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The potential location of a possible third crossing over the Oldman River was discussed at City Council Tuesday.

Over the years, the idea of a third bridge in Lethbridge has been discussed countless times.

The current city council would like to explore the expense the bridge would have on the taxpayers in the city.

Lethbridge City Council voted unanimously to have City Administration investigate further potential sites for a possible third bridge farther south from the current proposed location, which is near Riverstone on the west and would join Scenic Drive on the east.

The city release reminds residents from a ballot question asked in the 2021 Municipal Election, residents voted 60.41 per cent, yes to “Do you agree that city council should approve plans to construct a 3rd bridge prior to 2030 as a municipal capital project priority?”

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A full background on the ballot question is available here: https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/Elections/Pages/Question-on-the-2021-Municipal-Ballot—Third-Bridge.aspx

Councillor Rajko Dodic proposed the motion in the meeting hoping something is accomplished after years of discussion.

“It would appear that any third river crossing built within City limits would likely have to be solely funded by City funds which, because of the cost involved, would undoubtedly require significant monies to be borrowed.”

“If the potential bridge was further south, I would suggest that there is a greater likelihood of receiving financial contribution from other levels of government. It should also be noted that there has been significant growth in West Lethbridge since the Chinook Trail option was considered which may factor into whether the initial route would continue to remain the preferred choice.”

Dodic says it’s been since November 30, 2009, that the third bridge has been a topic, and as councillors passed the motion, Administration will report back the findings by September 2022.