Construction stalls on wildlife bridge over Trans-Canada Highway

Construction on a wildlife overpass project east of Canmore, Alta., has been delayed due to design and safety issues.

The overpass is set to be the first wildlife overpass along the Trans-Canada Highway outside of Banff National Park — designed to be built over the stretch of highway where dozens of elk have been killed by vehicles driving through Alberta's mountains.

In an emailed statement Monday, Alberta Transportation said the project has halted due to construction challenges.

Officials had originally expected construction to finish by fall 2023.

"Some of the work done by the contractor does not meet our design and safety standards. Work will continue in the spring to complete the project, ensuring these standards are met," said a statement from the office of Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen.

The remaining construction includes concrete work, traffic barriers, fencing and landscaping.

The overpass is meant to allow wildlife in the area to cross the highway safely, reducing the chances of collisions. The project includes 12 kilometres of wildlife fencing along the highway to shepherd wildlife toward safe crossing points.

Alberta Transportation said there's an average of 69 collisions involving animals annually on the Trans-Canada Highway between Highway 40 and Banff National Park.

The estimated cost of the project is $17.5 million.