As part of our ongoing commitment to provide quality recreational opportunities and keep Albertans informed, Alberta Parks is providing notice of changes to Smoky River South Provincial Recreation Area (PRA).
Alberta Transportation is moving ahead with bridge replacement on Highway 40 North at the Smoky River crossing in 2017. As part of the bridge replacement three hectares (0.03 square kilometres) of previously disturbed land within Smoky River South PRA will be transferred to Alberta Transportation to accommodate the bridge realignment. Specifically, bridge construction will require the new bridge to shift 20-metres east of the existing bridge, which requires additional construction of 750 metres of roadway. The land transfer and bridge construction will require access within the PRA to be reconfigured to ensure access routes to the day use area, campground, and staff accommodation are maintained.
Visitors to Smoky River South PRA will experience minimal disruption to park access while roads within the park are reconfigured. Once access route reconfiguration is complete, unrestricted access to the boat launch, campground, and park areas will be maintained through the duration of the bridge replacement project.
Traffic disruptions on Highway 40 will be minimal during construction, as the existing bridge will remain in service until the new bridge is complete. The existing bridge will be removed once the new road approaches and bridge are complete.
Environment and Parks
780 427-8636
AEP.Mediainquiries@gov.ab.ca
