Back on track – The Mayerthorpe bridge reopens

By Nerissa McNaughton

“The new bridge was completed Sunday, May 15 and rail service has been restored between Mayerthorpe and Whitecourt. CN crews worked 20 days straight to replace the 1,200-foot wooden trestle bridge that was destroyed by fire on April 26,” informs Kate Fenske, CN’s Media Relations for Western Canada & Manitoba Community Affairs.

As previously reported, arson tragically destroyed the historic trestle bridge, but the damage was far greater than losing a landmark. Many local industries rely on the Mayerthorpe line, and having it out of service was poised to impact important projects, and profits.

“Crews brought in 190,000 metric tons of material (about 6,500 loads) which was used to create part of the structure. The total length includes 292 feet of new bridge with about 860 feet of fill. The original bridge was about 1,200 feet long. The new bridge is constructed of steel, concrete, and fill and stands about 46 feet tall,” said Fenske.

Even though the original wood trestles are gone for good, it’s wonderful to see the fast response by CN, and to have the rail line up and running. It’s a real testament to how quickly Albertans are determined to get their lives and jobs back “on track,” recession and arson notwithstanding.