'Significant travel delays': More bridge closures announced on Anthony Henday Drive

Construction causes Henday delays Construction will cause major delays on the south portion of the Anthony Henday Drive for at least two weeks. Nav Sangha reports.

The southwest leg of Anthony Henday Drive will be slow going for more than two weeks as crews close a pair of bridges over the North Saskatchewan River.

The westbound bridge on the southwest section of the ring road near Cameron Heights Drive will be closed from June 23 to June 30.

The eastbound bridge will be closed from July 1 to 10.

Drivers will still be able to get through, with traffic rerouted onto the other bridge, but major delays are expected due to volume and a speed reduction to 60 km/h.

Ward pihêsiwin Coun. Tim Cartmell said the construction is a source of frustration for people in the area but it's work that needs to be done.

Alberta Transportation said the road was initially designed to handle 40,000 vehicles a day, but new numbers show more than 80,000 are moving through the area daily.

"It will be a significant improvement once it's all done," Cartmel said.

The work is being done to add an extra lane to each bridge.

Similar closures happened the past two weekends and last year.

"Motorists are encouraged to use Whitemud Drive as an alternate route," said Wayne Wood, a spokesperson for the provincial government.

"Oversized and overweight loads will not be permitted during these closures."

Closure dates may be adjusted based on weather and drivers are encouraged to visit 511 Alberta for the latest updates.

The entire widening project is expected to wrap up by early fall.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nav Sangha