Aging bridge in Airdrie prompts detour for large vehicles

A bridge in northwest Airdrie will be replaced next year but, for now, only certain vehicles will be able to use it. (Supplied/City of Airdrie)

Airdrie city officials are prohibiting all vehicles over a specific weight limit on Eighth Street bridge near Silver Creek - the only direct access to the northwest community.

The direction came after an inspection determined the structure was “aging faster than expected.”

Now, only vehicles under 8,000 kilograms may cross the bridge.

“For context, that is roughly twice the weight of a Ford F-350,” said a Tuesday news release from the City of Airdrie.

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Heavy trucks, buses, and waste service vehicles must detour while passenger vehicles under the weight limit may continue to cross.

“Administration’s top concern is resident safety,” said Mayor Heather Spearman in a news release.

“The latest inspection showed the bridge is aging faster than expected, so we’re taking steps to keep heavy traffic off while putting plans in place so first responders and service providers can still reach the community. We appreciate residents’ patience as we move through the replacement process.”

Emergency access routes are also being added to maintain service to the community.

“The Airdrie Fire Department will use a temporary emergency access being built from Veterans Boulevard into Silver Creek to ensure service levels are maintained,” officials said.

A bridge replacement project is scheduled for early 2026 with a temporary detour bridge is planned for spring; completion is expected by fall 2027.