Watch above: It’s a major route in and out of downtown, but next week – for nearly a year-and-a-half – the 102 Avenue bridge will be shut down. Kendra Slugoski reports.

EDMONTON – Drivers in Edmonton who use Groat Road and the 102 Avenue Bridge are about to hit some major roadblocks.

In addition to some evening and weekend closures of Groat Road in July, the 102 Avenue Bridge, which sees 20,000 vehicles pass over it daily, is going to be closed for the next 15 months starting Canada Day.

It is being demolished so that a new bridge can be constructed. The city says the new $132 million structure will be better equipped to handle not just cars, but bikes and pedestrians as well.

Drivers are being asked to use Stony Plain Road, 107 Avenue or 111 Avenue as detours. There will be access to both the Royal Alberta Museum and High Street shopping area during construction; however, keep an eye out for new parking bans and peak hour tow-away zones.

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“This is a major closure that will have significant impacts for commuters coming downtown from the west end,” said Byron Nicholson, Director of Special Projects. “We ask drivers to give themselves extra time, especially in the first few days as everyone adjusts to the detours.”

To accommodate the bridge demolition, there will be the following overnight and weekend closures of Groat Road during the month of July:

Night closures will be on July 2-4, July 7-11, and July 14-18, from 7:30 p.m. – 6 a.m.

Weekend closures will be on July 4-7, July 11-14, and July 18-21, from 7:30 p.m. Friday – 6 a.m. Monday.

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Motorists are advised to detour on Victoria Park Road, 149 Street or 109 Street during these times.

For pedestrians, the Groat Road shared-use path will remain closed until September. ETS will be providing a free local shuttle for pedestrians throughout construction. More information is available at takeETS.com.