New Ivor Strong Bridge to open Monday, Alberta says

The Alberta government says Calgary drivers will be able to use the new Ivor Strong Bridge beginning Monday, marking a key milestone in the ongoing Deerfoot Trail improvement project.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the new bridge will carry all southbound traffic. Once rehabilitation work on the existing bridge is complete, it will be dedicated to northbound traffic. According to the Alberta government, each bridge will provide four traffic lanes, increasing overall capacity for commuters.

The province says the completed project is expected to reduce average travel times by about 20 per cent. Officials estimate that will save motorists approximately one million hours of travel each year.

Construction on the broader Deerfoot Trail project will continue after the bridge opens. According to the Alberta government, the approximately $700 million project includes resurfacing 70 kilometres of lanes and widening about 40 kilometres of roadway.