ANNUAL BRIDGE & OVERPASS CLEANING GETS UNDERWAY
Each spring, following completion of city-wide street sweeping, Saskatoon’s seven bridge structures and 47 overpasses along with 21 attached and independent pedestrian crossings are cleaned and undergo essential routine maintenance. The annual washing helps to prevent corrosion and deterioration, extending the life of the structure by removing the road dirt and salt that accumulates throughout the year. Once clean, a sealant is applied to the concrete for added protection against sand and salt. The process also includes routine maintenance, and pressure washing the inside and outside walls and the bearings and expansion joints where large amounts of dirt collect.
Structure washing occurs overnight Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and one to three locations will be cleaned each night. For the safety of workers and drivers, and to provide access for equipment, lane restrictions will be in place during washing. In most instances, traffic will merge to the centre lanes to accommodate the work underway, but drivers are reminded to obey signs and pylons and watch for City vehicles and workers.
Tonight, drivers should watch for restrictions on the Circle Drive North Bridge, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The City’s Daily Road Report PSAs and Traffic Detour Service Alerts will advise drivers of future locations and restrictions.
Bridge and overpass washing is expected to be complete by the middle of August, barring any unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting.
Slow down, pay attention and respect work zones. Watch for pedestrians and work crews and, for everyone’s safety, please obey all detours, signs and barriers.
Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert and with #betterroadsYXE or like Saskatoon City News on Facebook.
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