The rehabilitation of three sets of twin overpasses on the Idylwyld Freeway (over Saskatchewan Crescent, 8th Street and the 8th Street exit ramp) began on June 24, 2010. The contract was tendered with an alternate price for an accelerated schedule of 12 weeks and was awarded as such. Unfortunately, deterioration of the concrete deck and reinforcing steel in the overpasses' concrete decks was more severe than anticipated, requiring complete removal of the concrete deck on the overpass over the 8^th Street exit ramp. The extent of the deterioration ruled out the possibility of using hydro demolition, an expedited concrete removal method that would have aided the contractor in meeting the 12 week schedule. Instead, conventional concrete removal methods, such as jack hammering and hand removal, had to be used. These more labour intensive methods, along with shoring of the overpass over the 8th Street exit ramp, have increased the time required to complete the project, and have extended the completion date to approximately late October, barring any other unforeseen circumstances.  

Project Update: (September 2)

Phase Two of the Idylwyld Freeway Overpass Rehabilitation project began on Friday, September 3.  During Phase Two, construction is on the northbound overpasses with two-way traffic maintained in the southbound lanes of the Idylwyld Freeway between Taylor Street and  20^th Street (Phase One required traffic to be accommodated in the northbound lanes). The other traffic restrictions required for Phase One, including limited Freeway access points, remain in place during Phase Two. 

When Phase Two is complete, approximately mid to late October, traffic will temporarily revert back to the northbound lanes for a few days to accommodate waterproofing and paving of the southbound overpass over the 8^th Street exit ramp. By leaving this portion of the work until completion of Phase Two, the contractor will gain approximately 4 - 7 days of schedule. In the interim, asphalt shims will be temporarily placed at the overpasses' approaches to smooth the transition from the roadway to the overpass.  This may result in a slight bump at both ends of the overpass and motorists are asked to exercise caution, obey the signs and slow down.

Check out the project video (August 25) on our blog.

Traffic Restrictions: 

Motorists are advised that delays should be expected on the Idylwyld Freeway between 20th Street and Taylor Street due to the following restrictions:

• One lane of traffic in each direction
• Reduced speed limit
• Median crossover in two locations (south of the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge and just north of Taylor Street).
• NOTE: only passenger vehicles permitted on the Freeway during the rehabilitation project.

Access to the Idylwyld Freeway is also very restricted:

• Entry to the only southbound lane is from Idylwyld Drive southbound and from 20th Street eastbound. Very limited access from 20th Street westbound.
• No access to Idylwyld Freeway northbound after the Adelaide Street on ramp (adjacent to Ruth Street). Signs are in place directing motorists..

To facilitate the movement of traffic into/out of the downtown area during construction:

• Timing of the signal lights at the top of the University Bridge (at College Drive and Clarence Avenue) and along Broadway Avenue have been adjusted. 
• College Drive northbound access to the University Bridge was closed at the start of the project, however it was reopened on August 25 to facilitate the commute to/from the central business district due to the unexpected closure of the Traffic Bridge.  

Image of Idylwyld Freeway Restrictions between 20th Street and Taylor Street