COLD LAKE FIRST NATIONS – Motorists travelling to and from the Cold Lake First Nations townsite will need to use alternate routes for several days as final repairs are completed on the Reita Creek Bridge.

Cold Lake First Nations says Mission Road will be closed at the Beaver River intersection from Wednesday, Aug. 26 through Monday, Aug. 31.

The closure means the main access into the CLFN townsite from the Beaver River intersection will be unavailable. Motorists will instead need to use the previously established detour routes until work is complete and the roadway reopens.

Work begins Aug. 26 with contractor mobilization and the road closure. Removal work and gravel placement are scheduled for Aug. 27 and 28, followed by anticipated asphalt paving on Aug. 29.

Aug. 31 has been set aside as a contingency paving date in case weather or other unforeseen circumstances delay the work.

If paving cannot be completed as scheduled, CLFN says the roadway will remain accessible with temporary gravel surfacing until crews can finish the paving.

Drivers should expect traffic restrictions and temporary closures around the bridge and surrounding roadway throughout the construction period.

CLFN is specifically asking motorists not to attempt to enter the townsite through the closed portion of Mission Road at the Beaver River intersection.

Drivers should follow posted signage, traffic control measures and designated detour routes and allow additional travel time while the closure is in place.

Cold Lake First Nations says the final work is being completed to improve the safety and condition of the Reita Creek Bridge and surrounding roadway.