Semi-truck driver charged after colliding with the underside of the Whoop Up Bridge Overpass

Lethbridge Police are charging the driver of a semi-truck after colliding with the underside of the Whoop-Up Bridge Overpass.

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at approximately 9:40 a.m., a semi-truck with a flatbed loaded with two excavating vehicles was travelling to a west Lethbridge construction site. The driver made a wrong turn into Indian Battle Park and proceeded under the Whoop-Up Bridge Overpass, striking the bridge girders and eventually becoming stuck. Significant damage was sustained to the excavating equipment and bridge. 

The driver contacted police immediately, who attended and closed the east and west lanes of Whoop Up Drive. The bridge was reopened later that morning, with fewer lanes operational.  The bridge remains open currently, with fewer lanes operational while City of Lethbridge crews continue to assess the damage and determine next steps.

Starting today, the following adjustments to traffic flow are expected:

• The loop from northbound Scenic Drive onto Whoop-Up Drive will be re-opened 
• Westbound 6 Avenue onto Whoop-Up Drive will be re-opened 
• There will be zipper merge locations for westbound traffic, as motorists from 6 Avenue and the northbound Scenic Drive offramp merge 
• That traffic will then merge with traffic from the southbound Scenic Drive offramp 
• To increase capacity and reduce delays, we are also adjusting eastbound Whoop-Up Drive lanes by moving the inside lane closure closer to the bridge  
• Both eastbound and westbound Whoop-Up Drive lanes will be fully opened after the bridge decks in each direction 

At this time, the driver of the semi-truck has been charged with failing to ascertain sufficient space for movement. Additional charges are pending.