There is a new hazard on the Ghost Lake to Waiparous route, one of our club’s popular road cycling rides.
As you ride through the village of Waiparous, you encounter a narrow bridge at the bottom of a steep hill in both directions. That bridge was old and very rough – and failed a safety inspection in 2026.
As a result, plans are in progress to construct a new bridge, most likely at a different site along the river. In the meantime, a temporary bridge has been installed in the old location.
The temporary bridge also poses difficulties for cyclists. It has a rough, uneven deck and a very low railing. If you ride too fast down the hill, you risk catching your tires in the rough planks – and you may not see oncoming traffic.
Several cyclists and at least one motor cyclist have already experienced incidents or crashes on this bridge.
EVCC recommends that cyclists stop and walk across the bridge to reduce risk of injury.
Check the route map
Please review the route map for details about the bridge location.
Link: Ride With GPS – Ghost Lake/Waiparous Map
We are advocating for safety improvements
EVCC is taking action to express our concerns about the bridge. We have contacted the Village of Waiporous, the Municipal District of Bighorn, the builder, Volker Stevin, and the Alberta Highways department.
We have requested:
- Upgrades to the temporary bridge including a smoother bridge deck and a safer railing, and
- Improved signage about the construction and hazards
What you can do
If you’re concerned about safety on this otherwise beautiful cycling route, we encourage you to contact the responsible parties in the Government of Alberta to request improvements to the temporary bridge and signage.
Contacts are:
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. Email: transportation.minister@gov.ab.ca Phone: 780 427-2080
James Herian, Bridge Manager, Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors. Email: james.herian@gov.ab.ca
