The preliminary work has begun on High River's new flood gate at the south end of the Centre Street bridge.

Crews have begun taking down power lines in the area so they can be put underground.

The flood gate project is expected to go to tender soon and the construction of the gate will be done over the winter.

Several power poles near the bridge, as well as in Birchwood Park, will be removed.

In the event of high water, the gate would be closed pushing water to the north through Wallaceville and the old Rio Vista golf course and back into the Highwood river downstream.

The gate and the new Lineham Canal bridge are costing the province about $4.5-million.

The gate should be complete by May 15, 2018.