A bridge south of Fort McMurray is being replaced with a brand new one.

The provincial government is building a new bridge over the Hangingstone River near the Grayling Creek Fire Base.

Crews are also realigning around 2.5 km of the southbound lane on Highway 63.

“It’s going to make travel safer and better for all people in our region,” said Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray – Lac La Biche.

The entire project is slated to cost $29 million and create over 150 jobs.

Goodridge adds motorists will notice some minor delays when driving in the area.

“They’ve done a crossover detour, so you’ll now be traveling for a few kilometres on the northbound highway to allow them to do the construction as quickly as possible.”

Construction got underway in November and is expected to be finished in August 2022.

Meanwhile, Goodridge says work on repaving and fixing potholes along parts of Highway 63 will continue throughout the winter.