According to an inspection by engineers, the Highway 12 bridge over Wolf Creek in Lacombe is fine, for the foreseeable future.

The city commissioned an inspection by the firm WSP this summer, which found the bridge in "fair condition, with no repairs required at this time."

However, at 54 years old and nearing the end of its lifespan, the bridge is starting to show its age.

Piles and caps -- part of the bridge's substructure -- were rated on a scale from two to nine, with higher scores being better. Those beneath the Highway 12 bridge ranged from three to five.

The girders scored between three to seven, rated on the same scale.

"We are seeing a bit of deterioration but nothing that requires immediate action," said Matthew Goudy, director of planning and operations.

The city will be increasing the frequency of inspections as well as start budgeting for its replacement, Goudy said.

He estimates that bridge replacement would come beyond the city's 10-year capital plan.