For Immediate Release: September 2, 2010
IS10-316
Phase Two of the Idylwyld Freeway Overpass Rehabilitation project will take effect on Friday, September 3. During Phase Two, construction will be on the northbound overpasses and two-way traffic will be maintained in the southbound lanes of the Idylwyld Freeway (currently, traffic is accommodated in the northbound lanes). The other traffic restrictions required for Phase One, including limited Freeway access points, will 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 8th 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.
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 8th 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.
Motorists are reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 60 km/h or less when approaching and driving in construction zones, and to exercise care and caution when passing crews.
The City of Saskatoon thanks motorists for their patience during construction season.