Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area will be closed this summer to support construction activities to upgrade the site.
Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism recently announced the area will be closed from June 1, 2023 to June 2024 to reduce danger to the general public as contractors work in the area with heavy equipment and materials on land and near water, and to make construction more efficient.
“Access to Crescent Falls will be gated at Highway 11,” reads an advisory on the Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism website.
“Construction crews will monitor the construction areas and barricades with conservation officers enforcing the area closure under the Provincial Parks Act. Do not cross construction barriers and follow all signage.”
The David Thompson Corridor Infrastructure Safety Upgrades capital project will see an $8.4-million investment to upgrade 13 sites along the corridor. The second phase of this project will see construction work at Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area, as well as Bighorn Dam.
Construction work for Crescent Fall PRA cannot be phased, according to a sheet of frequently asked questions regarding the project.
“As there is only one way to access the falls, there is no safe way to phase the construction of the project. The east viewing area of the Falls located on the county road will remain open. And, alternative parking and staging areas throughout DTC will be identified and accessible,” the FAQ sheet said.
“The work at Crescent Falls PRA seeks to enlarge parking areas, upgrade access roads down to lower area, install a new pedestrian trail to the lower day use area, install new vehicle crossing, upgrade day use area, increase signage, install additional toilets and bear proof garbage bins and upgrade safety features throughout the PRA.”
The duration of the construction period takes into account the limited ability to complete work over the course of the winter.
“Sites under construction will be marked clearly with signage with physical barriers and visitors are asked to follow the closure postings. If visitors are found on site, they will be asked by the construction crew and/or project team to vacate the site immediately for their safety as sites and areas under closure are active construction areas,” said the FAQ sheet.
Additionally, all Forestry, Parks and Tourism sites are monitored by conservation officers and staff.
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